Motor racing’s FIA governing body and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the organizer of the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours race, have renewed their partnership to jointly promote the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for another 10 years.
The two parties stated that the new agreement “will ensure a common ambition to expand the partnership and drive its commercial success.”
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The extended tie-up will run from the end of 2027, when the current agreement expires, to the end of 2037.
The new deal ends speculation about a possible split between the FIA and ACO. The announcement comes just weeks after German media outlet Auto Motor und Sport reported tensions between the two organisations, even suggesting they go their separate ways next year.
However, both the FIA and the ACO immediately issued a clarification, pointing out that the existing deal expires after 2027 rather than 2026, as reported in the media.
Under the renewal, all regulatory processes will be overseen by FIA Working Groups and the FIA Endurance Commission, and will require the final approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
The homologation process has also been streamlined, with the FIA and ACO overseeing the homologation of all cars competing in the Hypercar class.
The extension will also deliver increased branding for the FIA. This includes enhanced branding prominently displayed across key areas including parc fermé, the podium, and the safety cars, as well as across broadcast coverage.
The FIA claims that interest in the championship has surged since the introduction of the Hypercar regulations in 2021. According to the governing body, WEC’s trackside audience has grown 8% so far in 2026.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, stated: “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.”
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, 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.
“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.”
