Telegram from the fantastic world of endurance racing

[Photo: Sérgio de Almeida Correia]

With the already legendary rigor of the ACO and the professionalism of Bruno Vandestick, the press conference announcing the news from the world of endurance racing for the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans took place last Friday, June 12th, also the day of the Grand Parade of Drivers of the 94th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the Marie-Marvingt Stadium, home of the newly promoted Ligue 1 football club Le Mans FC.

The 2026 edition was sponsored by Mark Cavendish, official race starter, and Sarah Bovy, Grand Marshal, who were present, as well as David Clark, Spirit of Le Mans 2026, and Frédéric Sausset, the first quadruple amputee to participate in the race and who is now an advisor to the organization on accessibility for people with disabilities.

Photo: Sérgio de Almeida Correia]

From everything that was seen and heard there, I highlight here in the form of a telegram for MDT readers the main news:

1. With the circuit’s 120th anniversary and its selection as a favorite monument of the French, and thanks to the tireless support of Richard Mille, Pierre Fillon announced a new pit building to house the garages, accommodate the current control tower, and the paddock. The virtual design of the building was presented in a video, highlighting its architecturally simple lines, aesthetically impeccable design, and ample natural light.

2. Mark Rushbrook (Ford) and Zak Brown (McLaren) announced the participation of two more manufacturers in the 2027 Endurance Championship, bringing the total to 16.

3. The continuation of shared vision and partnership between the ACO and the American IMSA, with the joint adoption of its four principles on both sides of the Atlantic, will contribute to the continued success of the main category: “single two-wheel-drive technical platform (the big change), enhanced visual identity for each brand, better-controlled budgets to guarantee accessibility, and the introduction of new technology with the hydrogen project.” Same technical regulations, and constructors will be free to develop their cars. Homologation of the cars will be valid for at least five years, with no performance evolution.

4. The ACO and the FIA have formally agreed on the use of hydrogen at the discipline’s highest level. The future H2 Hypercars will essentially follow the 2030 regulations in terms of powertrain and hybrid system, with a few particularities (weight 1,200 kg, specific tires, and technology to avoid performance disparities between manufacturers). This year, hydrogen was once again in the spotlight, and the cars ran on Thursday. It is another decisive step towards the future and reinforces the commitment to global sustainability.

5. The World Endurance Championship 2027 will have a race in England, with the addition of the 6 Hours of Silverstone, confirmed by Stuart Pringle, CEO of the British circuit, in a calendar that will have nine races preceded by a prologue in Qatar (partnership confirmed until 2036). Le Mans will become the fifth race on the calendar. It is confirmation of the model, the success, and the widespread applause from the public.

[Photo: Sérgio de Almeida Correia]

6. Endurance will also have news in Asia. The ACO also announced the Le Mans Asian Cup in the LM3 PRO, LMP3 PRO-AM, and GT3 categories. As for the Hypercar driver line-ups in the Asian Le Mans Series, each team will be required to have one bronze driver, another bronze or silver driver, and one gold or platinum driver.

7. John Doonan, president of IMSA, confirmed the positive results achieved and the continued commitment to the FIA and ACO regarding Hypercar regulations.

8. Goodyear, with its Eagle tires, will supply the tires.

Regarding what will happen at the end of this season with the Gulf races, due to the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, a final decision will be made within a few weeks.

There is a lot of good news for fans of the WEC World Endurance Championship. Sérgio de Almeida Correia, MDT, Le Mans