Endurance: Winter series plans fail to materialise for EWC

The Endurance World Championship’s plans for a winter series have failed to materialise for 2016/2017, as they announced their new calendar for the upcoming season.

Originally planned to make a pivot towards Asia and the Middle East, with rounds proposed for Thailand and Qatar among others, the new calendar will now create a disjointed season with a six-month break.

The season will still kick off at this year’s Bol d’Or in September, but will then take a break for six months until March, which sees the series’ Portuguese round move forwards from June.

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However, despite the calendar’s odd schedule, François Ribeiro, head of events for series promoter Eurosport, was keen to put a positive spin on the new schedule.

“We are following the road map shared last year with FIM and EWC stake-holders: make EWC more international, attract Japanese teams, offer one event per month and play down world titles on a mythic and unique event. 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.”

• September 17/18 – Bol d’Or (24 h) / Paul Ricard – France
• March 18 – 12 Horas de Portimão / Portugal
• April 22/23 – Le Mans 24 Heures Motos / France
• May 20 – 8 Hours of Oschersleben / Germany
• June 24 – 8 Hours race / Europe TBA
• July 30 – Suzuka 8 Hours / Japan

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