Updated calendar structure made official by Eurosport Events.
The provisional 2016/2017 FIM Endurance World Championship calendar has been unveiled, confirming the series will be contested outside of a regular calendar year.
Expanding to six rounds and beginning this September with the famed Bol d’Or 24 Hours, the classic Suzuka 8 Hours will conclude the championship next July.
“We are following the road map shared last year with FIM and EWC stakeholders to make EWC more international, attract Japanese teams, offer one event per month and play down world titles on a mythic and unique event,” Francois Ribeiro, head of Eurosport Events, said.
“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. 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.”
According to the announcement made by the FIM, both the Portimao and Le Mans round dates are subject to modifications around November.
Provisional 2016/2017 FIM Endurance World Championship calendar:
Rd1 – 17-18 September – Bol d’Or 24 Hours (Paul Ricard, France)
Rd2 – 18 March – 12 Hours of Portimao (Portugal)
Rd3 – 22-23 April – Le Mans 24 Hours (France)
Rd4 – 20 May – 8 Hours of Oschersleben (Germany)
Rd5 – 24 June – 8 Hours of TBA (Europe)
Rd6 – 30 July – Suzuka 8 Hours (Japan)