World Endurance bosses have today announced an expanded calendar and new structure for the 2017 championship plus plans to tinker with the regulations.
The 2017 season, which will start this September with the Bol d’Or in France, will have six rounds including the 12 Hours of Portimao, a new Eight-Hour at a European track and finish with the Suzuka Eight-Hours. There are also plans to add a winter race in Asia.
“We are following the road map shared last year with FIM and EWC stake-holders: make EWC more international, attract Japanese teams, offer one event per month and play down world titles on a mythic and unique event. By walking away from calendar year season, we are aware of minor complications to the teams, but are putting all the possible energy and believe to make EWC a better world championship,” said François Ribeiro, head of promoter Eurosport Events.
“We will disclose next Autumn more details about the new June EWC round, and should add a new winter round in 2017/18 season to attract more Asian teams at Suzuka and in the championship In parallel, we are working hand in hand with FIM to bring few modifications to sporting regulations which should protect privateers’ positions and re-enforce manufacturers’ interest to support teams by making manufacturers’ championship more attractive and dynamic. Everything will be on the table of CCR next September.”
2016/2017 FIM EWC PROVISIONAL CALENDAR
September 17/18 - Bol d’Or (24 h) / Paul Ricard - France
March 18 - 12 Horas de Portimão / Portugal*
April 22/23 - 24 Heures Motos / Le Mans – France*
May 20 - 8 Hours of Oschersleben / Germany
June 24 - 8 Hours race / Europe TBA
July 30 - Suzuka 8 Hours / Japan