The iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans is officially locked into the World Endurance Championship for the next decade, as Crash.net reports. Recent whispers had suggested that a rift between FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the ACO—the founders and organisers of the legendary French enduro—might threaten its place on the calendar.
Thankfully, those worries have been entirely put to bed. Following an initial joint statement confirming a deal for 2027 and ongoing talks, a brand new 10-year contract was officially announced on Wednesday 30 September.
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,
Beyond just locking in the calendar, the agreement brings a crucial mechanical and administrative change. The homologation process for the Hypercar class is getting streamlined, with both the FIA and the ACO keeping a watchful eye over it. According to a press release from the FIA WEC, all regulatory processes will be overseen by FIA Working Groups, the FIA Endurance Commission, and will require final approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem hailed the agreement with grand enthusiasm. "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," he said. He called it a deal of the century that strengthens a relationship dating back over 120 years, setting up a decade of record growth for fans, drivers, teams, and manufacturers.
ACO president Pierre Fillon echoed the sentiment about their shared history. "This partnership has been built on trust, shared ambition, and a common commitment to the development of endurance racing," Fillon noted, expressing his delight at extending the alliance that has underpinned the WEC since its creation in 2012. With a solid foundation now guaranteed for the next ten years, the golden age of endurance racing rolls onward.
