FIA, ACO Reveal New Ten-Year WEC Partnership Deal

The FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have revealed a new ten-year deal that will see the two bodies work together to co-run the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Revealed on Wednesday, what was described as a “landmark” agreement will run from the end of 2027, when the current deal lapses, through to the end of 2037.

It guarantees the future of the WEC, and the place of the 24 Hours of Le Mans within it, after doubts emerged earlier this month about the state of the relationship between the world motorsport governing body and the ACO, which promotes the series through its Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM) subsidiary.

According to a statement released by both the FIA and ACO, as part of the new deal, “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.”

In addition, the deal includes “significantly increased branding for the FIA” in areas such as “parc fermé, the podium and the Safety Cars, as well as across broadcast coverage.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “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.”