Barcelona Replaces Red Bull Ring on 2019 Schedule

Barcelona has replaced the Red Bull Ring on the 2019 European Le Mans Series calendar, which was released on Friday.

Circuit de Catalunya will return to the ELMS for the first time since 2009, when it was part of the Le Mans Series as a 1000 km race, taking the July 19-21 date from the Red Bull Ring, which had been part of the schedule since 2013.

A six-event format has been retained for next year, with the four-hour races at Paul Ricard, Monza, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Portimao all slated to return.

As was the case this year, the ELMS will open with the  Four Hours of Le Castellet on April 12-14, taking place a week after a group test at Circuit Paul Ricard.

The calendar announcement also confirms that the Four Hours of Silverstone will be the same length as the FIA World Endurance Championship race it shares the August weekend with, while the Michelin Le Mans Cup will support each event except the British round.

“The European Le Mans Series has always offered the best of Endurance with teams and renowned drivers competing on the most beautiful circuits in Europe,” said ACO president Pierre Fillon.

“Just look at the number of entries in recent seasons to measure the success of this championship.

“The performances of the ELMS teams at the 24 Hours of Le Mans show the competitiveness of the grids of the European Le Mans Series for both professional and amateur drivers.

“The addition of Barcelona to the calendar, a newcomer to the championship and a new challenge for the competitors, builds on the success of the other five rounds of the season.”

2019 European Le Mans Series Schedule:

April 8-9: Official Test Paul Ricard
April 12-14: Paul Ricard
May 10-12: Monza
July 19-21: Barcelona
Aug. 30-31: Silverstone
Sept. 20-22: Spa-Francorchamps
Oct. 25-27: Portimao (TBC)