The International Motorsport Federation (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), which operates historic Le Mans, confirmed at a press conference that the 24-hour event would be included on a seven-race calendar.
The schedule for the World Endurance Championship will also include two races in Europe, two in America and two in Asia in addition to Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe. The Championship will replace the current Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and will be open to categories identical to those eligible for the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Although the schedule for the Championship has not been confirmed yet, it is likely the existing American rounds at Sebring and Atlanta from the current calendar will be retained. In Europe, Belgium, Britain and Italy will be competing for the two available spaces. Zhuhai in China is currently the only Asian race on the existing schedule.
ACO president Jean-Claude Plassart said: “I am very happy we have reached this agreement with the FIA, a partnership which underlines the rightful place that endurance racing has in motorsport, something we have been promoting since we first established the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1923.” FIA president Jean Todt started this year’s 24-hour race at Le Mans on Saturday.
