Source: Supplied.

The FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) will undergo a restructure next year under the promotion of Eurosport Events, transitioning through the regular European off-season in the future.

A four-round 2016 calendar has been released between April-August, however a 2016/2017 series will then be introduced and operated between September 2016 and July 2017.

“The FIM EWC will then launch a new season format, which will run from September to July,” a statement read. “The first round will be the Bol d’Or, a French classic taking place over 24 hours at Le Castellet, while the final round of the year will be the biggest and most renowned endurance bike race of them all, the Suzuka 8 Hours.

“Eurosport Events intends to extend the calendar outside of Europe in winter between November and February. This period, which sits during the MotoGP and World Superbike off-season, will allow more media exposure and audience for major bike events.”

Provisional 2016 FIM Endurance World Championship calendar:
Rd1 – 8-10 April – 24 Heures Motos Le Mans, France
Rd2 – 24-25 June – Portimao 12 Hours, Portugal
Rd3 – 29-31 July – Suzuka 8 Hours, Japan
Rd4 – 26-27 August – Oschersleben 8 Hours, Germany