FIA Quashes Doubts Over World Endurance Championship Future with 10-Year Extension
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The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) have officially announced a new long-term agreement to jointly promote the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The contract secures the future of the premier sports car racing series through to the end of the 2037 season.
The announcement comes just weeks after reports in German outlet Auto Motor und Sport suggested tensions between the two governing bodies, sparking speculation about a potential split. The authorities were quick to clarify at the time that their existing contract ran through 2027, rather than 2026 as claimed in the media. This new deal extends their collaboration by a further decade, decisively putting an end to any uncertainty surrounding the future of WEC.
"This is not just a contract; it is a vital step forward for racing that secures the championship's future for years to come. It is a forward-looking deal of the century that strengthens the partnership between the FIA and the ACO—a bond spanning more than 120 years of history. It sets the championship up for a decade of record growth that will deliver tangible benefits to fans, drivers, teams, and automotive manufacturers alike," said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
He added that he was honoured to be part of endurance racing's golden era and looked forward to continued collaboration with ACO President Pierre Fillon. Fillon also expressed his satisfaction with the finalized agreement.
"We are delighted to extend our agreement between the FIA and the ACO. It strengthens our long-standing relationship, which has been the cornerstone of the championship since its inception in 2012. Our partnership is built on trust, shared ambition, and a mutual commitment to advancing endurance racing. Together, we have laid a solid foundation for future success and global growth," said Fillon.
In a joint statement, both organizations emphasized that the expanded pact sets a unified direction for maximizing commercial potential and broadening their partnership. Once the new agreement comes into force, regulatory processes will continue to be managed by the FIA working group and the Endurance Commission, with the World Motor Sport Council overseeing the ratification of decisions.
The FIA and ACO will also jointly oversee the homologation process for the premier Hypercar category through a streamlined procedure. In addition, the federation will receive enhanced branding presence around circuits, in the parc fermé, on podiums, on safety cars, and across television broadcasts.
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