The WEC is planning to expand to nine races in 2027 – series boss Frederic Lequien confirms that an additional race is to take place in Europe
The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is continuing to work on expanding its calendar.
Series boss Frederic Lequien confirmed that a possible ninth race of the season in 2027 will take place in Europe. This signals a return to the format of 2016 and 2017, when the series also held nine races. At that time, the ninth race was held in Mexico City.
“Definitely,” Lequien replied when asked by Motorsport.com whether an additional race in Europe was planned. At the same time, however, he pointed out the logistical challenges that expanding the calendar would entail. In particular, he said, the balance between the European spring races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, and the overseas races that follow would play a role.
In the wake of these considerations, Silverstone is once again coming into focus. The traditional British circuit was an integral part of the calendar from the rebirth of the WEC in 2012 until 2019. Talks are ongoing, but Lequien is dampening expectations: “It’s true that we are in discussions with Silverstone. But we can’t say that they are the favorites.“
At the same time, he emphasizes the great potential of the British market. ”We would very much like to return to Silverstone because we know that the fan base for endurance racing in the UK is huge,” says Lequien.
A first step in this direction is the return of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) to Silverstone this weekend. It is the first international endurance race in the UK since 2020, when the pandemic prevented both the planned WEC and ELMS races from taking place.
Silverstone CEO Stuart Pringle reaffirms the ambitions: “We would very much like to see the WEC back here. The British Racing Drivers’ Club has a long tradition with Le Mans and the ACO, dating back almost 100 years.”
The track expects around 40,000 spectators over three days for the ELMS race – a signal that should underline the attractiveness of the market.
In recent years, the WEC has repeatedly discussed a return to nine races per season. After the 2018/19 “Super Season” with eight races, including two editions of Le Mans, the calendar was initially reduced to eight, then to seven, and in the 2021 pandemic even to six events.
Since 2024, the series has returned to eight fixed venues – and could take the next step in its expansion in 2027.
