Forget the noise about turmoil and threatened splits, because a brand new agreement has completely cleared the air. As Speedcafe reports, recent claims suggested a delayed deal might upend the WEC and possibly separate it from its crown jewel event at Le Mans. Now, news of a decade-long deal running all the way through to 2037 has definitively put those rumors to bed.
Under the terms of this new arrangement, regulations will be overseen by the FIA Working Groups and the FIA Endurance Commission, with final approval resting with the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Furthermore, the updated deal grants the FIA brand greater prominence in key areas such as parc ferme, the podium, the Safety Cars, and across all broadcast coverage. It also introduces a more unified technical framework to define the Hypercar regulations across both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship, while streamlining the homologation process under the control of the FIA and the ACO.
“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. He added that the accord represents a deal of the century that strengthens a collaboration dating back over 120 years, setting up the championship for a decade of record growth.
ACO president Pierre Fillon also welcomed the extension, reinforcing the strong and long-standing relationship at the heart of the series since its creation in 2012. “Together, the FIA and the ACO have created a solid foundation for the continued success and international growth of the championship, and we look forward to writing the next chapter of this remarkable collaboration,” said Fillon.
Leaders across the organization are banking on this stability to propel the sport forward. FIA World Endurance Championship promoter Frederic Lequien, CEO of the Le Mans Endurance Management, noted that the series is currently enjoying exceptional momentum and growing engagement. Meanwhile, FIA WEC general manager Alberto Villarreal emphasized that the championship is stronger and more popular than ever, backed by an impressive roster of top-tier global auto-manufacturers and an evolving fanbase.
