The FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have unveiled a new ten-year pact to jointly steward the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Announced on Wednesday, the agreement was hailed as a historic step and will run from the close of 2027, when the current deal ends, through to the conclusion of 2037.
It ensures the ongoing existence of the WEC and preserves the position of the 24 Hours of Le Mans within the series, following concerns raised earlier this month about the health of the relationship between the global motorsport authority and the ACO, the promoter of the championship via its Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM) arm.
As outlined by both parties in a joint statement, under the new arrangement, “all regulatory processes will be overseen by FIA Working Groups, the FIA Endurance Commission, and will require the final approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council”, while “the homologation process has also been streamlined, with the FIA and ACO overseeing the homologation of all cars competing in the Hypercar class”.
Additionally, the agreement features “significantly increased branding for the FIA” across areas such as “parc fermé, the podium and the Safety Cars, as well as across broadcast coverage”.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commented: “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.”
“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 honor 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.”
ACO President Pierre Fillon added: “We are delighted to see the agreement between the FIA and the ACO extended, reinforcing the strong and long-standing relationship that has been at the heart of the FIA World Endurance Championship since its creation in 2012.”
“This partnership has been built on trust, shared ambition, and a common commitment to the development of endurance racing.”
“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.”
“Finally, I would like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the great relationship we have built.”
