Abu Dhabi:F©d©ration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the organization behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans, have announced a 10-year extension of their partnership for the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), effective until the end of 2037.

According to Emirates News Agency, the new agreement will take effect at the end of 2027, following the expiration of the current agreement. The extension aims to support the championship's continued growth and commercial development, with regulatory processes being managed by FIA Working Groups and the FIA Endurance Commission. The final approval will be required from the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

The agreement also streamlines the homologation process, with the FIA and ACO overseeing the homologation of all cars in the Hypercar class. Additionally, the partnership will enhance FIA branding across various areas, including parc ferm©, the podium, Safety Cars, and broadcast coverage.

Currently, eight leading auto manufacturers compete in the Hypercar category of the FIA WEC. With the addition of the LMGT3 class in 2024, the championship will feature 14 marques on the grid. Ford and McLaren are set to join the Hypercar ranks in 2027.

From 2030, a more unified technical framework will be introduced, defining top-level endurance racing Hypercars competing in both the FIA WEC and IMSA in North America. This framework aims to provide greater cost-efficiency for manufacturers, boosting global participation and enhancing the spectacle for motorsport fans.

FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem emphasized the significance of the agreement, describing it as a crucial step forward for racing and a deal built for future growth. Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO, expressed delight in extending the partnership, highlighting the strong relationship between the FIA and ACO since the championship's inception in 2012. Alberto Villarreal, General Manager at the FIA, noted the championship's growing popularity and impressive roster of global auto manufacturers. Meanwhile, Fr©d©ric Lequien, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management, the FIA WEC promoter, remarked on the championship's exceptional momentum and increasing engagement worldwide.