Jean Todt, the president of the FIA and Pierre Fillon of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have agreed a deal to extend the ACO’s control of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The deal was finalised and agreed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and covers 2015 to 2017 inclusive. The FIA WEC promoters, an ACO subsidiary called Le Mans Endurance Management, will continue to plan an eight round championship encompassing Europe, America and Asia.
Since the launch of the series in 2012, as a successor to the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, the FIA WEC has gone from strength to strength.
Pierre Fillon said, “I am delighted with the extension of this agreement. In partnership with the FIA, we have set up a World Endurance Championship based on the Spirit of Le Mans which has been key to the success of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1923. This competition, which offers enthusiasts the excitement of year-round worldwide endurance races has been a huge success both with spectators and among the biggest organizations in the automotive industry. The extension of this agreement is not only proof of the quality of the joint work in the past three years, but also guarantees the sustainability of the Championship, and is conducive to growing development while ensuring worldwide exposure to all competitors and partners.”
Jean Todt, who also has responsibility for the regulating Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship, added, “I welcome this signing, which demonstrates the excellent cooperation established between the ACO and the FIA for 3 years. The WEC has been able to build on a solid foundation and continues its development. The seasons to come promise to be exciting, especially the arrival of Nissan in LMP1. This success confirms the interest of constructors in the value of technological innovation in this discipline to which I feel a great bond.”
Gerard Neveu, the CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship welcomed the agreement which will see him continue to organise the battle between Audi, Toyota, Porsche and the recently confirmed Nissan factory entry. “The FIA World Endurance Championship has made great progress in three years” he told the media. “With this agreement between the ACO and FIA, it will allow us to continue to build on the success we have had since 2012. Continuity and visibility are two important factors that will help us continue to develop the World Championship. This is great news for the WEC paddock. Next year, Nissan will join Audi, Porsche and Toyota in LMP1, demonstrating the attractiveness of endurance racing to big manufacturers in the development of new technologies and to help them in the markets we visit in the World Endurance Championship. The FIA WEC will continue to grow and progress in 2015 and beyond.“
