Written by Hugh Waring, Edited by Debargha Banerjee
Images: Motorsport.com
The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has announced a five-year contract extension with the iconic 7.004 km (4.35 mi) long Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The agreement was signed by Le Mans Endurance Management, a subsidiary of Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, which oversees the WEC and European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
The Belgian track has been a regular on the WEC calendar since 2012, and it hosted the opening round of the 2021 championship, marking the debut of the new Hypercar class. Spa has also been a fixture on the ELMS calendar since 2016, with a four-hour race held annually.
The renewal of the contract is excellent news for fans of endurance racing, as Spa is one of the most popular circuits on the calendar and comes with its fair share of jeopardy and excitement to racing of all categories with its undulating layout and fast corners providing a stern test for drivers and cars alike. The track is also steeped in history, having hosted its first Grand Prix all the way back in 1925.
The circuit has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years, with a new pit complex and paddock area built ahead of the 2021 WEC season. The investment though has been absolutely justified as the event hosted a huge army of WEC fans and the circuit provided thrilling racing.
LMEM CEO Frederic Lequien quoted:
“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.”
Circuit boss Amaury Bertholome stated:
“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, an important part of the 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.”
The renewal of the deal underlines the popularity and prestige of the circuit and underscores the commitment of the WEC and ELMS to providing top-quality racing at iconic venues.