Not only are we looking forward to the start of the new Formula 1 season on the 2nd of March, but now is also an excellent opportunity to have a look at some of the other exciting racing events that are happening now that spring is around the corner.
So as all of us motorsport enthusiasts are gearing up for another thrilling season ahead, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) should be on all our radars, too. It’s regarded as one of the most prestigious endurance racing series globally, promising adrenaline-fueled action, intense competition, and remarkable displays of engineering prowess.
What is the FIA World Endurance Championship?
If you’ve never heard of it before, it is an international sports car racing series organised by the Automobile Club de l’Quest (ACO) and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). It’s renowned for its gruelling endurance races, including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, the championship attracts top-tier manufacturers, teams, and drivers from around the world. And this year, it’s already going into its 12th season. Things are taking off with the first race, 1812km through Qatar, on the 2nd of March, all the way through the end of November. All races can be watched via their official app.
What Lineup Can Be Expected?
Spanning across multiple continents and iconic racetracks, the WEC season typically features a very diverse calendar of events, testing competitors’ skills and machinery across various terrains and conditions. From the high-speed straights of Cricuit the la Sarthe to the twists and turns of circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and Fuji Speedway, each race presents its unique challenges, keeping both drivers and fans on the edge of their seats.
The races are split into two categories, Hypercar and LMP3, both specifically tailored to encourage close competition. Manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Toyota, and MacLaren are being offered a platform for innovation and competitiveness, both for professional and amateur drivers to show their talent and expertise. Global sponsors such as Rolex, Total Energies, Michaelin, and Good Year promise fantastic coverage and production value – and team partnerships with known names such as private jet hire Vistajet promise exciting races.
The 2024 Schedule
Interested in the races? Here are all the dates for you to mark down in your calendar.
2nd of March: “Qatar 1812km”, Losail International Circuit
21st of April: “6 Hours of Imola”, Imola Circuit
11th of May: “6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps”, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
15-16th of June: “24 Hours of Le Mans”, Circuit de la Sarthe
14th of July: “6 Hours of São Paulo”, Interlagos Circuit
1st of September: “Lone Star Le Mans”, Circuit of the Americas
15th of September: “6 Hours of Fuji”, Fuji Speedway
2nd of November: “8 Hours of Bahrain”, Bahrain International Circuit
Get ready to witness the ultimate test of man and machine – where only the strongest, fastest, and most resilient will emerge victorious.
