Major French media outlet L’Équipe will continue to broadcast the FIA World Endurance Championship live and free-to-air until at least the end of 2029, it has been announced today (6 November).
L’Équipe has been a partner to FIA WEC since 2021, showcasing the sport to thousands of French fans via its multitude of channels. That relationship has now been extended to cover at least the next four seasons, encompassing all races including the series’ annual jewel in the crown, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Excitingly, the new deal brings with it a number of improvements designed to further enhance the experience for endurance racing aficionados. The Hyperpole shootout in qualifying at Le Mans will be shown live from next year, as will over 18 hours of the twice-round-the-clock contest at the Circuit de la Sarthe – an event that will comprise a number of behind-the-scenes programmes including the official film of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the ‘Road to Le Mans’.
The other seven rounds of the season will all be available to view live and free via L’Équipe’s website and app – which will additionally incorporate real-time race results, championship classifications and the most memorable moments captured on video – with the overall broadcast package bolstered by programming on the la chaîne L’Équipe TV channel.
Moreover, L’Équipe newspaper will offer more editorial coverage of all races than ever before, from news and interviews to exclusive features.
Vincent Broussard, CEO of Groupe L’Équipe’s TV division, said: “We are particularly proud of this new agreement with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. The broadcast of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and FIA WEC in general on our channels has proven to be hugely popular. The fact that these races will continue to be shown free-to-air, making them accessible to as many people as possible, is similarly a real source of pride.”
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said: “L’Équipe is very much part of the endurance racing family. For several years already, this longstanding partnership has enabled as many French fans as possible to enjoy the magic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The fact that these races will continue to be broadcast free-to-air is excellent news – it offers an open door to the discipline. We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with such an iconic name in French media.”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship: “We are very happy to extend our partnership with la chaîne L’Équipe for four more seasons. This renewal underscores the strength of our collaboration and the growing interest amongst the French public in FIA WEC. We warmly thank Groupe Amaury for its ongoing faith and commitment. Thanks to this free-to-air offering, fans will remain right at the heart of the sport as they follow the incredible exploits and achievements of the world’s greatest manufacturers and drivers.”
Watch FIA WEC live or on-demand via the official FIA WEC TV app – your full-access pass to the FIA World Endurance Championship including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans. Don’t miss a moment. For further information, check out the app.
