NEWS - Press release CSF x LMEM
Le Mans Endurance Management [LMEM] has signed a contract extension with Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which will see the iconic Belgian circuit remain as a round of the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series for a further five years.
The announcement was made during an official opening of the new Endurance Grandstand at the circuit in front of teams, media and key personnel as the WEC prepares for round three of the World Championship, the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps which takes place this weekend (29 April).
One of the world’s best-known race tracks and steeped in motorsport history, Spa-Francorchamps has formed a round of the WEC since the championship’s inception back in 2012 while Spa has been regular fixture in the ELMS calendar since 2016.
Spa-Francorchamps’ favourable position in northern Europe allows for easy access for fans in Belgium, France, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands making the circuit is a popular choice for endurance racing fans. For the WEC, the Belgian round of the World Championship serves as the all-important dress rehearsal ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of LMEM: “Stability across our championships is extremely important and to continue our relationship with Spa-Francorchamps is a great honour. The circuit has been a regular fixture in both the WEC and ELMS calendars for many years and provides teams and fans with excellent racing and world-class facilities. There is no denying that it is one of the drivers’ favourite venues, and the track is truly unique which always provides thrilling action. We have witnessed some incredible races in WEC and ELMS over the years and thanks to the team at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, we can now look forward to many more to follow.”
Amaury Bertholomé, CEO of Le Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps: “I am delighted to extend the contract with LMEM which confirms the anchoring of the WEC and the ELMS in the circuit's calendar. The 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps are, without a doubt, part of the important FIA world championship, now expanding with the addition of new constructors and an undeniable rebound in popularity. The special attention that LMEM brings to the quality of this championship and to the reception of its fans forms part of the reinforcement of the Circuit's status as an economic, sporting and tourism lung for the region. Finally, the constant desire of LMEM for innovation in motorsports and especially via its MissionH24 and its electric-hydrogen prototypes, with which the Circuit has been associated from the beginning, is also of course a major actor in our sector for more sustainable major sporting event.”
