Latest news with #FIAWorldEnduranceChampionship
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NBC Sports
World Endurance Championship announces 2026 schedule
The FIA World Endurance Championship has announced its 2026 schedule, which will be made up of the same venues as in 2025. Capitalizing on the momentum of 750,000 fans that attended events in these eight rounds, there was little reason to alter the schedule, which will begin with Round 1 in Qatar, March 26 - 28, 2026. The 2026 calendar comprises five regions: Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. 'We are pleased to present our 2026 FIA WEC calendar, which reflects the series' success by building upon a winning formula and format,' said Frédéric Lequien, CEO, FIA World Endurance Championship in a news release. 'All eight events have established themselves as firm favourites amongst competitors and fans. Every circuit offers its own unique characteristics and challenges – and invariably brings out the best from our incredible drivers, cars and teams. We look forward to continuing to put on a thrilling show all around the world! The highlight of the schedule will continue to be the 24 Hours of Le Mans, June 10 - 14. Four six-hour races will be held at Imola (April 17 - 19), Spa-Francorchamps (May 7 - 9), Sao Paulo (July 10 - 12), and Mount Fuji, Japan (September 25 - 27). The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, returns to the schedule on September 4 - 6 for the Lone Star Le Mans. WEC will conclude their season with an eight-hour race in Bahrain, November 5 - 7. 'After a period of expansion, including the addition of an eighth round in 2024, the FIA World Endurance Championship enters a phase of consolidation and stability with next season's calendar,' said Richard Mille, President, FIA Endurance Commission. 'The schedule continues to feature world-class circuits across key regions, striking the right balance between global exposure for manufacturers and the need to keep participation costs at a reasonable level. This stability lays a strong foundation for the continued success of the Hypercar class and supports the sustained growth of the world's premier endurance racing series.' 2026 WEC Schedule March 26 - 28: Qatar 1812 Kilometers (1,126 miles) April 17 - 19: 6 Hours of Imola May 7 - 9: 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps June 10 - 14: 24 Hours of Le Mans July 10 - 12: 6 Hours of Sao Paulo September 4 - 6: Lone Star Le Mans September 25 - 27: 6 Hours of Fuji November 5 - 7: 8 Hours of Bahrain
Observer
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Observer
Electrical fault halts Al Harthy in ‘Le Mans 24hrs'
Faultless driving, top strategy and a very quick BMW M4 LMGT3 were not enough to deliver what looked likely to be a bid for a dream victory at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ahmad al Harthy and Team WRT — electrical problems in the early hours of Sunday, 15th June, forcing retirement. Oman's Al Harthy and team-mates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin van der Linde had delivered an incredible performance throughout the first half of the twice-round-the-clock encounter at the eight-plus mile Circuit de la Sarthe in France, with LMGT3 silverware well within their grasp. Sadly, though, and for the second year in succession, the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended in misfortune for Al Harthy and Team WRT, having led the class or been inside the top two for the most part since lights-out at 16:00 local time on Saturday, 14th June. After qualifying an excellent third on the grid for the biggest race of the season, round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the team choose to begin the 24 Hours with van der Linde and he very quickly climbed into second in LMGT3 close behind the leader. Van der Linde remained in touch in the No.46 BMW M4 and after the initial pit-stops, the South African was back up to second. Oman's Al Harthy climbed behind the wheel for his first miles of the race in hour two and was within less than four seconds of the LMGT3 lead with one hour and 45 minutes elapsed. After another stop, Al Harthy moved up into the lead and he then began to build his advantage, driving faultlessly. Just over three hours into the race the Omani, who is supported by prestigious partners OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), and Experience Oman, led by around 25 seconds. Half an hour later the lead was up to roughly 60 seconds, before handing over to Rossi for his first stint of the race. Holding second place initially, the Italian was every bit as competitive as his two team-mates and he soon moved the No.46 BMW back into first place in LMGT3. One quarter of the way through the race, 22.00 local time, van der Linde was back behind the wheel and held an advantage of 14 seconds at that stage. Just before 23.00, with 100 racing laps in the book, he remained at the front with a buffer of half-a-minute over the nearest rival. The entire race strategy from Team WRT was working like clockwork as midnight neared. Around three hours later, though, the squad's tremendous challenge for a dream victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans came to an end when the car ground to a halt — seemingly with no power. After being recovered back to the pits, it was discovered electrical problems were the cause. Moreover, the issue was irreparable at the track in the time available.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Electrical issues halt Al Harthy and Team WRT's Le Mans 24HRS victory challenge
Le Mans, France – Faultless driving, top strategy and a very quick BMW M4 LMGT3 were not enough to deliver what looked likely to be a bid for a dream victory at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ahmad Al Harthy and Team WRT – electrical problems in the early hours of Sunday, forcing retirement. Oman's Al Harthy and teammates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin van der Linde had delivered an incredible performance throughout the first half of the twice-round-the-clock encounter at the eight-plus-mile Circuit de la Sarthe in France, with LMGT3 silverware well within their grasp. Sadly, though, and for the second year in succession, the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended in misfortune for Al Harthy and Team WRT, having led the class or been inside the top two for the most part since lights-out at 16.00 local time on Saturday. 'Being in the first two positions for the majority of the nine to 10 hours we were racing definitely got us thinking of the possibility of an amazing result,' said Al Harthy. 'I think how we were able to push the entire time showed we would have been competitive at the end of the race. Unfortunately, though, an electrical issue forced us to retire the car. 'This is what we know about racing, especially at the highest level like Le Mans, and we accept it. Things like this make you appreciate the achievements when you get them. The entire team did an amazing job right throughout the week at Le Mans, across all sessions, and the performance we showed in qualifying was a real highlight personally. We showed in the race what we're capable of, so now we look to bounce back in Brazil. Thank you to everyone for the amazing support.' After qualifying an excellent third on the grid for the biggest race of the season, round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the team chose to begin the 24 Hours with van der Linde, and he very quickly climbed into second in LMGT3 close behind the leader. Van der Linde remained in touch in the No. 46 BMW M4, and after the initial pit stops, the South African was back up to second. Oman's Al Harthy climbed behind the wheel for his first miles of the race in hour two and was within less than four seconds of the LMGT3 lead with one hour and 45 minutes elapsed. After another stop, Al Harthy moved up into the lead and he then began to build his advantage, driving faultlessly. Just over three hours into the race the Omani, who is supported by prestigious partners OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Experience Oman, led by around 25 seconds. Half an hour later, the lead was up to roughly 60 seconds, before handing over to Rossi for his first stint of the race. Holding second place initially, the Italian was every bit as competitive as his two teammates and he soon moved the No.46 BMW back into first place in LMGT3. One quarter of the way through the race, 22.00 local time, van der Linde was back behind the wheel and held an advantage of 14 seconds at that stage. Just before 23.00, with 100 racing laps in the book, he remained at the front with a buffer of half-a-minute over the nearest rival. The entire race strategy from Team WRT was working like clockwork as midnight neared. Around three hours later, though, the squad's tremendous challenge for a dream victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans came to an end when the car ground to a halt, seemingly with no power. After being recovered back to the pits, it was discovered that electrical problems were the cause. Moreover, the issue was irreparable at the track in the time available.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
New Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale is one for the racers
Ferrari has unveiled its new Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale. A product of the Italian carmaker's Tailor Made programme, it's designed to celebrate the marque's successes achieved in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and to honour Ferrari client-racing drivers. The unique specification, reserved for clients involved in Ferrari's official sporting activities — both competitive and noncompetitive — is inspired by the 499P, overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023, 2024 and 2025 in the Hypercar category. As such it features a bespoke exterior treatment with a choice of four racing-inspired colours: Rosso Scuderia, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona and Argento Nürburgring. All four shades are offset by contrasting flashes of Giallo Modena (Ferrari's famed yellow hue) and a hand-painted WEC logo. The aerodynamic front splitter wears an Italian flag and customers can choose a number of their choice to be applied to the bonnet and doors. The cabin gets racing seats upholstered in black Alcantara, with inserts made from the same fireproof fabric used to make the overalls worn by Ferrari factory drivers. The livery number is reproduced on the interior carbon fibre, while the metal footwell surface can be customised upon request. The personalisation is completed by a carbon identification plaque and a carbon-fibre door sill owners can customise with a personal inscription. Power is provided by a 515kW 3.0l twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. Mounted between it and the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox is an e-motor that makes available a total system output of 648kW. Performance is rapid to say the least, with Ferrari claiming 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.0 seconds. Top speed is said to be greater than 330km/h.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Dream of 24hrs of Le Mans win ends for Oman's Ahmad Al Harthy
Muscat: Faultless driving, top strategy and a very quick BMW M4 LMGT3 were not enough to deliver what looked likely to be a bid for a dream victory at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans for Ahmad Al Harthy and Team WRT – electrical problems in the early hours of Sunday, 15th June, forcing retirement. Oman's Al Harthy and team-mates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin van der Linde had delivered an incredible performance throughout the first half of the twice-round-the-clock encounter at the eight-plus mile Circuit de la Sarthe in France, with LMGT3 silverware well within their grasp. Sadly, though, and for the second year in succession, the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended in misfortune for Al Harthy and Team WRT, having led the class or been inside the top two for the most part since lights-out at 16.00 local time on Saturday, 14th June. After qualifying an excellent third on the grid for the biggest race of the season, round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the team choose to begin the 24 Hours with van der Linde and he very quickly climbed into second in LMGT3 close behind the leader. Van der Linde remained in touch in the No.46 BMW M4 and after the initial pit-stops, the South African was back up to second. Oman's Al Harthy climbed behind the wheel for his first miles of the race in hour two and was within less than four seconds of the LMGT3 lead with one hour and 45 minutes elapsed. After another stop, Al Harthy moved up into the lead and he then began to build his advantage, driving faultlessly. Just over three hours into the race the Omani, who is supported by prestigious partners OQ Group, Sohar International, Omantel, Oman LNG, BMW Oman, Oman Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Experience Oman, led by around 25 seconds. Half an hour later the lead was up to roughly 60 seconds, before handing over to Rossi for his first stint of the race. Holding second place initially, the Italian was every bit as competitive as his two team-mates and he soon moved the No.46 BMW back into first place in LMGT3. One quarter of the way through the race, 22.00 local time, van der Linde was back behind the wheel and held an advantage of 14 seconds at that stage. Just before 23.00, with 100 racing laps in the book, he remained at the front with a buffer of half-a-minute over the nearest rival. The entire race strategy from Team WRT was working like clockwork as midnight neared. Around three hours later, though, the squad's tremendous challenge for a dream victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans came to an end when the car ground to a halt – seemingly with no power. After being recovered back to the pits, it was discovered electrical problems were the cause. Moreover, the issue was irreparable at the track in the time available. Ahmad Al Harthy said: 'Being in the first two positions for the majority of the nine to 10 hours we were racing definitely got us thinking of the possibility of an amazing result. I think how we were able to push the entire time showed we would have been competitive at the end of the race. Unfortunately, though, an electrics issue forced us to retire the car. 'This is what we know about racing, especially at the highest level like Le Mans, and we accept it. Things like this make you appreciate the achievements when you get them. The entire team did an amazing job right throughout the week at Le Mans, across all sessions, and the performance we showed in qualifying was a real highlight personally. We showed in the race what we're capable of, so now we look to bounce back in Brazil. Thank you to everyone for the amazing support.' Round five of the FIA World Endurance Championship takes place four weeks from now, over the weekend 12th/13th July, with the Rolex 6 Hours of Sao Paulo at Interlagos in Brazil.
