Great news for endurance racing fans: the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans is confirmed to remain part of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) after the FIA and ACO reached a major agreement. The new 10-year deal puts an end to doubts that arose from rumors of a rift between FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the ACO.
Earlier reports claimed tension between the two parties threatened Le Mans' place as a WEC round. However, the FIA and ACO partially quashed these reports with a joint statement that a deal was in place for 2027 and negotiations for a long-term contract were ongoing. Finally, on Wednesday, September 30, all doubts were put to rest after the official announcement of the 10-year contract.
A key detail of the agreement is the streamlining of the homologation process. The FIA and ACO will oversee this in the Hypercar class. According to a WEC press release, "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." This step is expected to speed up and simplify technical regulations, providing certainty for manufacturers and teams.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the deal. "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. "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."
He added, "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."
ACO President Pierre Fillon also expressed his satisfaction. "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," said Fillon. "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."
With this agreement, Le Mans is assured to remain the crown jewel of the WEC, and fans can look forward to thrilling action from the legendary race for a decade to come. This stability also sends a positive signal to manufacturers looking to compete in the Hypercar class, thanks to clear and long-term regulations.
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