A historic deal between the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) has ensured that a prestigious endurance racing series will continue for years to come.
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The FIA, the global governing body for motorsports, announced on Wednesday a landmark 10-year deal with the ACO, the founder and organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This ensures that the World Endurance Championship (WEC) will continue for at least the next decade.
This deal will begin at the end of 2027 and will continue through 2037 as the two bodies attempt to continue growing the audience for the FIA WEC. The audience has already grown by 8% over the past 12 months.
The WEC is a long-range racing series featuring multiple classes of cars on the track at the same time. Events can last anywhere between six hours and 24 hours. Numerous manufacturers take part, including Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Genesis, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Peugeot, Porsche, and Toyota.
The racing series provides opportunities for manufacturers and teams to test components and new technologies. This even includes the Garage 56 entry from NASCAR that completed the entire 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023.
As part of the new agreement, the FIA Working Groups and the FIA Endurance Commission will oversee all regulatory processes. The FIA World Motor Sport Council will have final approval.
Additionally, the FIA and ACO will oversee the homologation of all cars competing in the top-tier Hypercar class.
"This is not simply an agreement, it is a vital step forward for racing that will secure the future of the FIA World Endurance Championship for years to come," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
"This is a deal built for the future, a deal of the century, one that strengthens the collaboration between the FIA and ACO, a relationship that dates back over 120 years, and sets the championship up for a decade of record growth that will deliver real benefits to fans, drivers, teams and manufacturers.
"It has been an honour to play a part in the collaboration that has helped usher in this golden age of endurance racing. I look forward to continuing our work alongside President Pierre Fillon and his team as we build on this momentum and shape an even stronger future."
