FIA and ACO Ink 10-Year WEC Promotion Deal
The FIA and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) have cemented a groundbreaking 10-year pact to collectively advance the World Endurance Championship (WEC), ensuring the sustained prosperity of the esteemed sportscar racing league. This extensive collaboration is set to run until the conclusion of the 2037 season, signaling a strong commitment from both governing bodies.
This pivotal agreement surfaces merely weeks after reports from a prominent German publication, Auto Motor und Sport, hinted at brewing disagreements and a possible parting of ways between the two entities as early as next year. However, both the FIA and the ACO swiftly countered these claims, clarifying that their existing arrangement was valid until the end of 2027, not 2026, as previously misreported.
The newly unveiled accord, formally announced on a Wednesday, extends the foundational partnership by an additional decade. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, articulated the gravity of the decision, stating, "This is more than just a formal understanding; it represents a crucial progression for motorsport that guarantees the future trajectory of the FIA World Endurance Championship for many years ahead." He further emphasized, "This is a forward-looking deal, a generational agreement, strengthening the bonds between the FIA and ACO, a relationship that spans over 120 years, positioning the championship for a decade of unparalleled expansion that will yield substantial advantages for fans, competitors, teams, and manufacturers alike." Ben Sulayem conveyed his honor in contributing to the collaborative spirit that has ushered in what he terms a "golden age of endurance racing" and expressed anticipation for continued cooperation with President Pierre Fillon and his team to build upon this momentum towards an even more robust future.
Echoing these sentiments, Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, voiced his enthusiasm regarding the extended agreement. He remarked, "We are thrilled to witness the continuation of the partnership between the FIA and the ACO, reinforcing the deep-rooted and enduring relationship that has been central to the FIA World Endurance Championship since its inception in 2012. This alliance is built on mutual trust, shared aspirations, and a collective dedication to fostering the growth of endurance racing." Fillon also added, "Together, the FIA and the ACO have laid a strong groundwork for the championship's ongoing success and global reach, and we eagerly anticipate co-authoring the next chapter of this remarkable joint venture. I extend my gratitude to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the excellent rapport we have cultivated."
In a joint declaration, the FIA and the ACO affirmed that the extended agreement "solidifies a common ambition to broaden the partnership and stimulate commercial prosperity." With the commencement of this extension, all regulatory procedures will fall under the purview of the FIA Working Group and the FIA Endurance Championship, with the World Motor Sport Council retaining the authority to ratify all decisions. Moreover, the FIA and the ACO will jointly supervise the homologation process for all vehicles participating in the Hypercar category, introducing a streamlined approach. As anticipated, the FIA will also benefit from increased visibility at event venues, including a more prominent presence in parc fermé, on podiums, and on safety cars, as well as during television broadcasts, further enhancing its brand recognition.
The renewal of the decade-long partnership between the FIA and ACO signifies a monumental step for the World Endurance Championship, ensuring stability and growth for the premier sportscar series. This strategic alliance aims to fortify the championship's foundations, fostering continued innovation and fan engagement, and sets a clear path for its evolution and expansion in the competitive landscape of global motorsport.