Stuart Pringle, the chief executive of Silverstone, has outlined an objective for the British circuit to emerge as the sport’s second-largest event on the FIA World Endurance Championship lineup after Le Mans, now that a deal has been secured to return to the calendar next year.
The venue that hosts Formula 1’s British Grand Prix and previously a staple on the WEC schedule before the COVID-19 disruption was confirmed as part of the 2027 calendar during Le Mans week, with an April date allocated.
It marks the beginning of a new four-year arrangement with promoter Le Mans Endurance Management that will see Silverstone stage WEC rounds at least through to 2030.
Pringle told a selected group of media, including Sportscar365, that he’s already “looking beyond this four-year deal” as the circuit aims to leverage its predominantly Formula 1-derived fanbase to build interest in the revival of the 6 Hours of Silverstone.
“This is a genuine partnership with WEC,” he said. “We’re very much in this together. They really want to be at Silverstone. They consider it to add value to the calendar and I’m determined that we don’t let them down and we give them an event.”
“Nothing’s going to rival [Le Mans], but I see no reason why we can’t quickly be the next biggest race on the calendar.”
He added: “I anticipate that there’ll be a really strong first year, because I think there’s a pent-up demand for this, and I think there’s an angle to get people excited about it.”
“Our challenge is to make Formula 1 fans understand that this event is every bit as compelling, and to break it down for them and explain how this is an extraordinary ‘game of chess’ that unfolds over six hours, with tactics that are equally captivating.”
Becoming the next-largest race on the WEC schedule after Le Mans in terms of attendance would require surpassing the 6 Hours of Spa, which drew 101,606 fans across three days earlier this year.
Asked whether a weekend crowd in the six-figure range was feasible, Pringle replied: “I believe that is absolutely attainable over the weekend at Silverstone. I think we can reach six figures over the weekend under this contract, yes.”
Involvement of British Marques, ELMS Success Key to WEC Return
Pringle went on to highlight the involvement of Aston Martin, and the anticipated arrival of McLaren, in the WEC’s Hypercar class as a key factor that has given him confidence in his ability to attract a sizeable audience.
“You need British brands,” he stated. “The best example I can give you of that is the challenges we face promoting MotoGP, where there aren’t British manufacturers, teams, or riders in the premier class. And it’s really difficult.”
“If you compare that with Formula 1, where in the season-opening race in Melbourne, there are only three people in the top eight who aren’t British.”
“So, absolutely having Aston Martin and McLaren in this championship had a direct, material impact on our decision-making.”
“It gives us confidence that we can build a crowd because they are huge brands and they’re prepared to work with us and support us. Silverstone is a big institution, but they bring an emotional pull.”
Equally important was the success of the 2025 Silverstone ELMS round, where organizers claimed a weekend crowd of 110,000 fans.
“I think there are people involved in that organization [LMEM] who weren’t here the last time WEC was at Silverstone, so for them to come along, witness that thrilling racing, and see the latent interest in sports-car racing, was significant,” said Pringle.
“Also, working with us and seeing that we know what we’re doing, that we’re a straightforward, professional group that runs races, week in, week out—from major events to the club meetings that form our stock-in-trade—helps open the ecosystem of British motorsport to access the premier circuit.”
Pringle reiterated that keeping Silverstone on the ELMS calendar as a standalone event remains a major priority.
“ELMS is a truly important meeting,” he stated. “It’s a European championship. It’s fast, highly competitive, and it has its own place.”
“I want the biggest crowd to come to WEC because that’s the world championship, but I hope people come to WEC in April and say, ‘That’s excellent, let’s come back in September and watch ELMS.’ I see no reason why people wouldn’t attend both.”
“I want them both, and I want both to be successful meetings.”
