Silverstone to Host World Endurance Championship in 2027

Silverstone will host a round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) from April 23-25, 2027, according to the series’ newly released calendar. The six-hour race marks the return of the 5.891km British circuit as the third event of the season, joining a nine-race global schedule that includes the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Why is Silverstone returning to the WEC calendar?

The circuit brings a long legacy of top-flight endurance racing to the 2027 schedule, having hosted eight FIA WEC events between 2012 and 2019. WEC CEO Frederic Lequien stated the venue is beloved by competitors and presents a “tremendous challenge” from both an engineering and driving perspective.

Lequien also cited the enthusiasm and knowledge of British fans as a primary driver for the return. This comes as the series sees a resurgence in popularity following the 2021 introduction of “hypercar” rules for the top class of vehicles.

Did You Know? Silverstone previously hosted eight successful FIA WEC events over a seven-year span from 2012 to 2019.

Which manufacturers and drivers are competing?

The hypercar category currently features manufacturers including Ferrari, Peugeot, Alpine, BMW, Toyota, Genesis, Cadillac, and Aston Martin. The series also incorporates showroom-style LMGT3 cars.

Ford and McLaren are expected to enter the hypercar category next year, a move that according to the series will rekindle a legendary rivalry between Ford and Ferrari. Several former Formula 1 drivers already compete in the WEC, such as Poland’s Robert Kubica. Kubica, a previous Le Mans winner, drives the AF Course number 83 Ferrari 499P alongside Ye Yifei of China and Phil Hanson of Britain.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the entry of Ford and McLaren into the hypercar class could shift the competitive balance of the series, specifically by reviving historic manufacturer tensions that typically drive fan engagement and technical innovation.

What does the 2027 WEC schedule look like?

The British race is one of nine events scheduled for 2027. The full calendar includes visits to Qatar (Lusail), Italy (Imola), Belgium (Spa), France (Le Mans), Brazil (Sao Paulo), the United States (Circuit of the Americas), Japan (Fuji), and Bahrain (Sakhir).

Silverstone rejoins WEC calendar with thrilling six-hour race in 2027

High attendance remains a hallmark of the series. Around 300,000 fans attend the annual sell-out at the Circuit de la Sarthe for Le Mans, while events like the Six Hours of Spa are also seeing growth in popularity.

What may happen next for the series?

The arrival of Ford and McLaren may increase the intensity of the hypercar category’s manufacturer battles. Additionally, four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is rumoured to be keen on contesting Le Mans in the future, following his participation in GT racing this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the WEC race take place at Silverstone?
The race is scheduled for April 23-25, 2027.

Which new manufacturers are joining the hypercar category in 2027?
Ford and McLaren will both enter the series in the hypercar category.

How many fans typically attend the Le Mans 24 Hours?
Approximately 300,000 fans flock to the Circuit de la Sarthe each year.

Do you think the return of the Ford and Ferrari rivalry will attract more viewers to endurance racing?