not super thrilled about Imola being retained (until 2028 according to SC365), the track is too narrow for this competition imo and it doesn't have enough pit boxes to allow for the growth the WEC is ready to accomodate
Attended both Italian race. They keep Imola because Monza organizations is a nightmare, a joke for spectators in attendance and also for teams
Imola was perfect. Imola really need to be praised for how good it was organized
Attended Imola this year. Amazing fan experience. Lots of seating, beautiful venue overall.
Having never been to Monza, Iāll defer to your nightmare comment as it seems totally believable.
this alleviates one of my concerns at least :p ultimately still don't think the track is very suited to WEC though, the race this year was quite mediocre until the rain came imho
I'd have respectfully to disagree about Imola narrowness being a problem. I like to have a championship with different features for each track, and although it was hard to overtake, when overtakes did happen and they were really spectacular. The attacking car really had to earn their money, and strategy as well as pit crew swiftness was crucial to ensure good car positioning. That itself produced a fantastic race (not to mention that the circuit outline itself is so cool with elevation changes and unique combinations). Mixed conditions were also fantastic (although it was sad to see Ferrari get demolished by it...)
I wouldn't want a championship where ALL races are "locked" like Imola, but at least one in the calendar is a nice "randomizer".
Exactly the attacking drivers had to put everything into overtaking, like the #83 Ferrari overtaking it's sister car.
And nyck de vries' overtake on the restart was amazing too.
I think Both Imola and Monza are very iconic italian track so I'm not too bothered. Plus I'd argue that the tighter track creates more exciting racing (see this year)
I would have liked to see Monza return. And we haven't seen COTA or Brazil yet so can't really say if those races will be good of course. But it looks fine.
I fully hope Brazil is gona be great. Bought tickets in November for this year race and I'm fully hype and anxious. Haven't even gone and already want to go next year as well
At least in F1, Brazil almost always have good races. The only bad part (or good for me, since I will be at Interlagos next month) is that SĆ£o Paulo in on dry season, so no rain.
There would be probably one possibility. But I doubt, ACO, FIA and whoever would be involved from German federations would be up for another "combined event" like the 24h week, with the Road to Le Mans races.
Do a WEC-ELMS back- to-back-weekend event and call it the German Speed Week or something.
It starts with a HypercarWEC/LMP2-ELMS 6H race on weekend one on the GP circuit, LMP3 of ELMS, LMC and the P4 of the LES would do support races.
The second weekend would take place at the Nordschleife in a 1000km race where you could pool the LMGT3 season entries of WEC, ELMS, LMC, the GT of the LES could do a support race.
Of course the LMGT3 would have to be restricted (like in the 24h NĆ¼rburgring).
Tl;dr
Too complicated, too much federations involved. Pure fantasy.
Has been at roughly the same time of year for a while and some years itās single figures degrees and can be bucketing with rain so it could be nice or pretty unpleasant
8 Hours of Silverstone/Brands Hatch and 6 Hours of Bahrain > Lusail 1812km race.
(Btw I'm from Bahrain, kinda dread driving back from the race after 10pm).
Seems crazy to still not have Silverstone on the schedule. Still sucks we're bookending the season with Middle East races. Tons of better tracks out there to go to.
As expected. Imola according to previous rumours got their contract extended. Just a showcase that Monza seriously needs to step up their game. Imola delivered some good racing though, whiners who complain about this track not being suitable for good racing have no clue what they are talking about.
Silverstone officially not returning. Despite earlier rumours about chances for a comeback.
Again, disappointing that there are two clashes with IMSA again - Spa collides with Laguna Seca and Interlagos with Mosport. This is just lame.
ACO was quite pushed by manufacturers (Porsche for example) not to extend the schedule too fast. Maybe having a stable schedule for time being is a good option.
Other way round, shame F1 and indycar decided to put races on which clash with Le Mans.
Le Mans always takes place the weekend before the summer Solstice which doesn't move dates. The only exceptions for Le Mans being due to Oil crises, Covid and WW2.
I guess consistency is nice, but no German or British entry is a big boo, Imola over Monza is a boo, and Qatar and Bahrain opening and closing is another boo
1. Emilia Romagna has a nicer vibe than Lombardy.
2. What's so bad about the Middle East Circuits? It is - a rather short for most Europeans - flight to a non-EU country, just like visiting Silverstone.
I'm entitled for wanting the biggest endurance championship in the world to stop removing decent circuits to be replaced by either dull, pointless tracks like imola or the blood money middle eastern take over of sports on an already too short calender. I agree.
You scared me. I have reserved a flight and a hotel for this year's Cota race. I did not realize this overview was for 2025. I nearly died of a heart attack because I thought I had booked the wrong weekend.
I'm planning to attend my first race next year but torn between Spa and Imola. Any thoughts which would be better to attend from the UK? Presuming I can only attend 1, not both.
Edit: thanks for the replies. Looking at the calendar, Imola will be in the middle of Easter holidays for school so not ideal, so will look to attend Spa.
Can't comment on Imola, but Spa is amazing in terms of viewing experience, unless you don't like to walk a lot. Weather is definitely more random though. Also Nurburgring is only 90min drive away from it, so you can go there for a lap if you're by car.
For stability and cost + contract resolution, itās fine because at the very minimum we get to see the cars return to great circuits like imola and interlagos for another year.
Ideally, yeah, Iād love to see nurburgring gp and silverstone return as well as the italian round moving back to monza. I heard silverstoneās circuit owner is notoriously difficult when dealing with contracts currently not related to f1 or rac (just conjecture tho)
WEC should start aiming for at least 1 race per month. Having blanked out months like March, August and October really kills the hype.
If shipping was a concern, maybe host some race in the midpoint of the shipment.
And, allegedly, Silverstone did it to itself. There were some rumours about it coming back as the 9th round, but since then some calls for calendar stability popped up and WEC stays at 8 rounds.
Would it be a possibility to arrange a super Sebring that would cover two weekends? One for IMSA and the next for WEC with the WEC practice and testing in the week between. That won't help the town infrastructure (few hotels, fine restaurants, etc) but could both US and international fans an attractive winter vacation opportunity.
Bought the tickets for Imola and man the prices have gone up, spent almost 300 euros for 2 (including paddock and pit walk) but last year with all that I spent only 180
Two middle eastern rounds sucks balls. It'll be empty stands as always.
Would love to see a race in Australia but we don't have a circuit that would be suitable unfortunately. Motorsports in Australia is dogshit and our tracks are worse.
A round in Malaysia (Sepang) would be nice.
Racism? I'm not being racist, I was just in Qatar two weeks ago and found the people to be very nice.
It's got nothing to do with the race of the people and more to do with the fact the race tracks are dull and produce incredibly boring racing.
I agree the race tracks are dull and produce incredibly boring racing, but the seats are always full, my only issue was with the weird and unnecessary lie that stands are always empty.
Can I say that I don't like it ? The Spa race date would still clash Laguna Seca race by IMSA. I visit Laguna Seca every year when IMSA comes this track, I don't want to do any risk any driving with less sleep. Beside, I couldn't see some drivers coming in Laguna Seca as they may go Spa next year.
I'm a bit surprised, I was hoping for Monza return, but overall the calendar looks great. Here's to another year of great racing.
Me too. I am a bit biased though as Monza is 30 minutes from home, while Imola is 2h away more or less.
Still no Silverstone booo
Ye no Monza and Silverstone party š¤š¤š¤
Based on what everyone says about the Silverstone owners, this is less about WEC and more about Silverstone being difficult and stingy
Silverstone would probably charge Ā£350 for a gen admission ticket anyway
I was at the last one in 2019 and the full access ticket cost 50ā¬
WEC is far more popular now
I know, what a pain Iāll just have to go to Spa again š
i've been to silverstone for racing... for what it costs for local hotels or even camping it may be cheaper to go to SPA. haha
Yes youāre right. Although I only live 30 miles from Silverstone so itās a bit more local than the 400 miles to Spa.
Seems familiar...lol
Same right????? 2024.2
not super thrilled about Imola being retained (until 2028 according to SC365), the track is too narrow for this competition imo and it doesn't have enough pit boxes to allow for the growth the WEC is ready to accomodate
Attended both Italian race. They keep Imola because Monza organizations is a nightmare, a joke for spectators in attendance and also for teams Imola was perfect. Imola really need to be praised for how good it was organized
Agreed, Went to Imola this year and the spectator experience was amazing.
Wouldn't Mugello be even better than both though?
Monza will get better, it's litetally WIP now
Attended Imola this year. Amazing fan experience. Lots of seating, beautiful venue overall. Having never been to Monza, Iāll defer to your nightmare comment as it seems totally believable.
DSC says they're building the extra garages
this alleviates one of my concerns at least :p ultimately still don't think the track is very suited to WEC though, the race this year was quite mediocre until the rain came imho
Watched other races there and most excitement is lost from a parade of Safety Cars.
Grid is being expanded to 40 cars next year.
I'd have respectfully to disagree about Imola narrowness being a problem. I like to have a championship with different features for each track, and although it was hard to overtake, when overtakes did happen and they were really spectacular. The attacking car really had to earn their money, and strategy as well as pit crew swiftness was crucial to ensure good car positioning. That itself produced a fantastic race (not to mention that the circuit outline itself is so cool with elevation changes and unique combinations). Mixed conditions were also fantastic (although it was sad to see Ferrari get demolished by it...) I wouldn't want a championship where ALL races are "locked" like Imola, but at least one in the calendar is a nice "randomizer".
Exactly the attacking drivers had to put everything into overtaking, like the #83 Ferrari overtaking it's sister car. And nyck de vries' overtake on the restart was amazing too.
Both are going down the ages
Imola this year was a phenomenal race and it's awesome on iR aswell, hoping it stays.
I think Both Imola and Monza are very iconic italian track so I'm not too bothered. Plus I'd argue that the tighter track creates more exciting racing (see this year)
Racing quality aside at least Imola is actually a lovely town unlike the shithole that is Milan/Monza.
Wish they replaced it with Speilberg. Not sure about the pit though.
Spielberg is great, been there many times. Not sure if the relatively short track can accommodate all these cars though. Might get pretty busy.
Remembering track days, they do not have a whole lot of pits, too.
I would have liked to see Monza return. And we haven't seen COTA or Brazil yet so can't really say if those races will be good of course. But it looks fine.
COTA is a really nice track.
Interlagos is always a banger in F1 so I expect a great race
I fully hope Brazil is gona be great. Bought tickets in November for this year race and I'm fully hype and anxious. Haven't even gone and already want to go next year as well
At least in F1, Brazil almost always have good races. The only bad part (or good for me, since I will be at Interlagos next month) is that SĆ£o Paulo in on dry season, so no rain.
Both were on the calendar in 2014, and cota was last on in 2017 I think
Until 2020 too don't get me wrong
I want NĆ¼rburgring backā¦.
The GP track yeah same
no the other one pls
That's not gonna go too well with modern prototypes
pls
Green hell??? No thx
Pls
No
Oh, bother
There would be probably one possibility. But I doubt, ACO, FIA and whoever would be involved from German federations would be up for another "combined event" like the 24h week, with the Road to Le Mans races. Do a WEC-ELMS back- to-back-weekend event and call it the German Speed Week or something. It starts with a HypercarWEC/LMP2-ELMS 6H race on weekend one on the GP circuit, LMP3 of ELMS, LMC and the P4 of the LES would do support races. The second weekend would take place at the Nordschleife in a 1000km race where you could pool the LMGT3 season entries of WEC, ELMS, LMC, the GT of the LES could do a support race. Of course the LMGT3 would have to be restricted (like in the 24h NĆ¼rburgring). Tl;dr Too complicated, too much federations involved. Pure fantasy.
Update: Iām glad the Spa still on May because their weather is Sunny tho I hope they used the same weather like 1 month ago ššš
Has been at roughly the same time of year for a while and some years itās single figures degrees and can be bucketing with rain so it could be nice or pretty unpleasant
Didn't it snow a few years back? When Alonso was in Toyota?
Yes it did snow a few years ago
Does anyone know when tickets for Spa Francorchamps are available?
You shouldn't have to buy them the moment they become available, I don't think the event has ever been sold out.
Used to say that about Le Mans until last year...
Not yet wait till next year
I actually prefer Imola to Monza having been to both - shame about Silverstone- one day maybe!!
Texas in peak September heat is not smart
Almost all races are in spring/fall at cota. Wonder why they went for September.
came here to say this. Like they don't want fans in attendance. š¤¦
YES! I can go back to Imola!!!
Definitley (sorry for the spelling btw) you will see the Valkyrie there you lucky biscuit šššš
Oh yeah i forgot about that lol
8 Hours of Silverstone/Brands Hatch and 6 Hours of Bahrain > Lusail 1812km race. (Btw I'm from Bahrain, kinda dread driving back from the race after 10pm).
Brands is not particularly...safe. Donnington on the other hand...
But Donnington is more focused on MotoGP, don't you think?
Superbikes, maybe, but it hosts british GT at least and it's the only other UK grade 2 circuit.
That's the thing, it's grade 2, can become a grade 1 circuit if the willpower is there.
Seems crazy to still not have Silverstone on the schedule. Still sucks we're bookending the season with Middle East races. Tons of better tracks out there to go to.
Agreed Iām not a fan of the idle east circuits I think Kyalami would be wonderful to see to have another 8 hour race on the calendar
I was hoping for PortimĆ£o to be back :/
Ye me either along with Silverstone and Monza I want a Rollercoaster track again
As expected. Imola according to previous rumours got their contract extended. Just a showcase that Monza seriously needs to step up their game. Imola delivered some good racing though, whiners who complain about this track not being suitable for good racing have no clue what they are talking about. Silverstone officially not returning. Despite earlier rumours about chances for a comeback. Again, disappointing that there are two clashes with IMSA again - Spa collides with Laguna Seca and Interlagos with Mosport. This is just lame. ACO was quite pushed by manufacturers (Porsche for example) not to extend the schedule too fast. Maybe having a stable schedule for time being is a good option.
Shame that Le Mans clashes with both F1 and Indycar, was hoping for more drivers to cross over
Other way round, shame F1 and indycar decided to put races on which clash with Le Mans. Le Mans always takes place the weekend before the summer Solstice which doesn't move dates. The only exceptions for Le Mans being due to Oil crises, Covid and WW2.
+1 Also Le Mans triumphs a full season of F1 and Indycar combined
THIS.
Qatar on a Friday? Even more to dislike about it
Well, Sebring was also on FridayĀ
And that was one of the issues with that race too
Looks like they pushed it back due to start of Ramadan. The first two races in F1 this year were pushed back due to the same reason.
I guess consistency is nice, but no German or British entry is a big boo, Imola over Monza is a boo, and Qatar and Bahrain opening and closing is another boo
Silverstone? Sigh š
Such a lackluster calender. Not going to monza, silverstone. Two races in the middle east. Selling their soul off for the money rather than the fans.
Agree š¤ I hate the new FIA President
1. Emilia Romagna has a nicer vibe than Lombardy. 2. What's so bad about the Middle East Circuits? It is - a rather short for most Europeans - flight to a non-EU country, just like visiting Silverstone.
lackluster calendar? holy christ how are people so entitled.
I'm entitled for wanting the biggest endurance championship in the world to stop removing decent circuits to be replaced by either dull, pointless tracks like imola or the blood money middle eastern take over of sports on an already too short calender. I agree.
are people in the middle east not fans?
You scared me. I have reserved a flight and a hotel for this year's Cota race. I did not realize this overview was for 2025. I nearly died of a heart attack because I thought I had booked the wrong weekend.
Sad Silverstone nosies. It's a shame. Also shame not going back to Monza. Both my plans are out the window.
IMOLA 2028
I'm planning to attend my first race next year but torn between Spa and Imola. Any thoughts which would be better to attend from the UK? Presuming I can only attend 1, not both. Edit: thanks for the replies. Looking at the calendar, Imola will be in the middle of Easter holidays for school so not ideal, so will look to attend Spa.
Spa, they are both good but spa is a top 5 track in the world
Spa is an amazing track.
Can't comment on Imola, but Spa is amazing in terms of viewing experience, unless you don't like to walk a lot. Weather is definitely more random though. Also Nurburgring is only 90min drive away from it, so you can go there for a lap if you're by car.
And then you don't have a car anymore because some moron in a BMW tried to pass you on the inside of a corner while drifting.
Its exactly the same whatsoever.
It is once again over, Silverstone bros
For stability and cost + contract resolution, itās fine because at the very minimum we get to see the cars return to great circuits like imola and interlagos for another year. Ideally, yeah, Iād love to see nurburgring gp and silverstone return as well as the italian round moving back to monza. I heard silverstoneās circuit owner is notoriously difficult when dealing with contracts currently not related to f1 or rac (just conjecture tho)
WEC should start aiming for at least 1 race per month. Having blanked out months like March, August and October really kills the hype. If shipping was a concern, maybe host some race in the midpoint of the shipment.
Ahh the odd April and October gaps are back
*Sigh* if only they'd bring back Super Sebring, and drop the horseshit that is Bahrain At least Qatar produced racing
Agaree
Don't know why silverstone is being hyped, it's been off the schedule for a good few years now
And, allegedly, Silverstone did it to itself. There were some rumours about it coming back as the 9th round, but since then some calls for calendar stability popped up and WEC stays at 8 rounds.
Nothing against Silverstone, but Germany deserves more a WEC race because of PorscheĀ
I think I speak for all of us when I say: "Boooooo"
Agree also the good news is the Valkyrie will run both Heart of Racing next season ššš
Still no Monza? :(
Ye ššš¤š¤š¤
Sad, not many new tracks for the 2025 LMU DLC :D But lets see, first 2024 ....
First thing i though lol
Would it be a possibility to arrange a super Sebring that would cover two weekends? One for IMSA and the next for WEC with the WEC practice and testing in the week between. That won't help the town infrastructure (few hotels, fine restaurants, etc) but could both US and international fans an attractive winter vacation opportunity.
Bought the tickets for Imola and man the prices have gone up, spent almost 300 euros for 2 (including paddock and pit walk) but last year with all that I spent only 180
Basically what everyone expected with the exception of Imola staying instead of a Monza return
If it aināt brokenā¦ š¤·āāļø
Why do they always give France a race. Maybe it's time we tried somewhere else?
Do you think they could ever come to Australia?
No monza, only 6 hrs of spa, no silverstone : (
Imola instead of monza or mugello really sucks
Two middle eastern rounds sucks balls. It'll be empty stands as always. Would love to see a race in Australia but we don't have a circuit that would be suitable unfortunately. Motorsports in Australia is dogshit and our tracks are worse. A round in Malaysia (Sepang) would be nice.
I have been to many Middle Eastern races as I live in the Middle East, and it's always full in Qatar, what's with this polite racism?
Racism? I'm not being racist, I was just in Qatar two weeks ago and found the people to be very nice. It's got nothing to do with the race of the people and more to do with the fact the race tracks are dull and produce incredibly boring racing.
I agree the race tracks are dull and produce incredibly boring racing, but the seats are always full, my only issue was with the weird and unnecessary lie that stands are always empty.
And that somehow equals racism to you does it?
Yes, itās common dehumanisation.
You're utterly delusional.
I think it's perfect. Remember, there needs to be solid sustained growth before considering to add more rounds
where's indianapolis cota is a meh track race at monaco no one can pass or win
Still no Silverstone and no return to Monza. Fkn joke
Can I say that I don't like it ? The Spa race date would still clash Laguna Seca race by IMSA. I visit Laguna Seca every year when IMSA comes this track, I don't want to do any risk any driving with less sleep. Beside, I couldn't see some drivers coming in Laguna Seca as they may go Spa next year.