The FIA World Endurance Championship has renewed its deal with Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for four years, ensuring that it will remain on the series' calendar for the foreseeable future.
The legendary Belgian circuit has had a place on the WEC calendar ever since the series' inception in 2012, serving as the dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Talks to renew the deal had been ongoing since the previous round of the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, which took place last May.
The renewal also coincides with the announcement that the 2020 edition of the race has been moved forward a week to prevent clashes with other events. Round 7 of the 2019/20 WEC will now take place on Saturday, April 25th 2020.
“We have always aimed to have as much stability in our schedule as possible and we are really delighted that both the WEC and European Le Mans Series will be returning to Spa for another four years," said Gérard Neveu, WEC CEO.
“Providing our competitors and fans with the opportunity to visit top class circuits and facilities such as Spa is crucial to us, and of course it is one of the drivers’ favourite places to race at, with so much history and drama. We have witnessed some incredible WEC events there, although we hope we won’t have any snow in 2020!
“By moving our 2020 TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa race forward a week we manage to avoid some clashes with other events in order to satisfy our competitors, partners, fans and media.”
Nathalie Maillet, CEO of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, added: “It is with great pride that we finalise today the renewal for four years of the contract which assures the presence at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series.
“I welcome this extension which demonstrates the excellent collaboration between the ACO and Le Mans Endurance Management, organiser of these two key events in our calendar. I would also like to thank the management of these organisations for their confidence in the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. This long-term agreement will allow us to develop these two championships together on the basis of a strong, lasting and fruitful relationship. It is finally, and above all, excellent news for all the fans of these two championships.”
