The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) have reached a landmark ten‑year agreement to jointly promote the FIA World Endurance Championship, guaranteeing the series’ future through the end of the 2037 season.
The partnership, which already binds motorsport’s governing body with the organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, now runs until 2037, extending the previous deal that was scheduled to expire after 2027.
The announcement follows weeks of speculation after German publication Auto Motor und Sport reported tensions between the two organisations, suggesting they might split after the current contract ends.
Both the FIA and ACO promptly clarified that the existing contract actually runs to 2027, not 2026 as some media had indicated, confirming the new agreement adds another decade to the arrangement.
“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,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“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 honour 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.”
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Photo by: Jakob Ebrey
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. 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.”
In a joint statement, the FIA and the ACO said the extended agreement “ensures a common ambition to expand the partnership and drive commercial success.” When the extension comes into force, all regulatory processes will be overseen by the FIA Working Group and FIA Endurance Championship, with the World Motor Sport Council responsible for ratifying all decisions.
The FIA and the ACO will also oversee the homologation of all cars competing in the Hypercar class as part of a new streamlined process.
As expected, the FIA will enjoy increased trackside branding as part of the deal, including enhanced presence in parc ferme, on the podiums, safety cars, and during TV broadcasts.