Eurosport to cover WEC to 2020; news from FP1/FP2 in Japan

Le Mans 24 Hours and WEC to be broadcast on Eurosport for next four years Eurosport has signed a long-term deal to present live coverage of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, negotiated by Infront Sports & Media, the exclusive media rights partner of The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).  The agreement will see Eurosport offer live race action throughout Europe and the Asia Pacific region over the next four years up to and including 2020. Eurosport has been a long standing rights holder of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, offering motorsport fans live coverage, behind-the-scenes footage and track-side interviews. Under the new agreement, the broadcaster will continue to offer full coverage of the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as live coverage from each of the remaining eight rounds of the WEC.  Live race coverage will continue to be available across multiple platforms, including Eurosport channels and Eurosport Player - the live and on-demand digital platform which will also offer a range of additional content, such as on-board camera feeds.  Peter Hutton, Chief Executive of Eurosport said: “Motorsport fans are some of the most committed you can find, so we are delighted to extend our agreement to show the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and the world’s best endurance races to continue to fuel their passion for the sport. We look forward to more of this unique series over the next four years, available to fans at home and on-the-go across Eurosport’s platforms.”  Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest said: “We’re very happy about the renewal of our partnership with Eurosport for Le Mans 24 Hours for the next four years. We’re delighted that this agreement also guarantees continued coverage of the FIA World Endurance Championship. We’re very focused on developing TV coverage of the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA WEC, and we gave an undertaking to our partners to achieve this. This new agreement confirms our determination. It will strengthen our positioning and result in the enhanced broadcasting of our world championship events and the flagship race, the Le Mans 24 Hours, across Europe and Asia-Pacific.”  Gérard Neveu, CEO of the FIA WEC added: “The announcement regarding Eurosport’s continued coverage of the World Endurance Championship is very good news indeed for all motorsport fans, and especially those of endurance racing. The channel’s extensive reach covers many international borders and, by showing live the excitement and non-stop action of our WEC races around the globe, it entertains millions and puts a spotlight on us which will also bring new fans through our doors, both physically and virtually.” Pour lire cette actualité en français CLIQUEZ ICI

Mark Webber's Porsche fastest in FP2 in Fuji  Mark Webber in Porsche 919 Hybrid sets fastest lap at Fuji on 1m24.074s  Audi second (No.8 R18) and third (No.7 R18) but almost a second back from No.1 Porsche  Lotterer crashes No.7 car early in session and damages front. Session briefly red flagged for on track debris  No.2 Porsche 919 places fourth as it recovers from morning problems  Toyota fifth and sixth on home ground as No.5 TS 050 Hybrid heads No.6  Kobayashi stops late in session at Turn 14 with apparent technical problem  Rebellion almost a second faster than ByKolles in LMP1 Privateer class For all the news from all classes after the second free practice session  CLICK HERE For full results CLICK HERE  Pour les principales informations et performances à l'issue de la deuxième séance d'essais libresCLIQUEZ ICI

Where to follow the 6 Hours of Fuji live on TV Under the watchful eye of the majestic Mount Fuji, the scene is set for another incredible battle of skill, passion and strategy to take place on track between the 32 competitors in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Not a moment of the action should be missed! The seventh round of the WEC, the 6 Hours of Fuji, takes place on Sunday 16 October at the legendary Fuji Speedway in Japan. The quick 2.835-mile circuit (4.549 kilometre)features a number of complex sequences which challenge the drivers, as well as a mile-long straight (1.47km) - the longest of all the tracks visited by the WEC. Add to that a weather forecast which promises a little of everything, and there is sure to be plenty of excitement and maybe a little drama.  If you are unable to attend in person – missing out on what is likely to be an incredible spectacle of the world’s most sophisticated and high-performing sports prototypes and GT cars racing making their annual visit to Japan – don’t worry! The WEC has put together a comprehensive list of live television coverage to be shown via major broadcasters around the world, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the WEC action. The full list can be found HERE.

Alex Lynn starts WEC learning curve Alex Lynn is ready for his endurance racing baptism this weekend at Fuji as he gets set to become another in a long line of world class FIA WEC Young Guns.  The British driver has carved out a stellar reputation in single-seater racing over the last five seasons and has dovetailed a full GP2 season this year with the DAMS team whilst also being the official test and development driver for the Williams F1 squad. “I’m really looking forward to doing the last three rounds with Manor,” confirmed Lynn. “It will be my first experience of sportscar racing and it is all very exciting.” For the full story CLICK HERE Pour suivre cette actualité en français CLIQUEZ ICI

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