FIA Press Releases
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WEC: 24 Hours of Le Mans entry list released
Sport newsHYPERCAR HEAVYWEIGHTS
In the headlining Hypercar category, another clash of the titans is very much in prospect. Ferrari’s 499P prototype remains unbeaten at La Sarthe since joining the fray in 2023, and the Prancing Horse is targeting a fourth straight success, the factory #50 and #51 cars and independently run #83 AF Corse entry having prevailed once apiece.The Italian marque, however, is sure to face an even tougher challenge in 2026. Last year, Cadillac made history at Le Mans by securing its first pole position for the race, and the first for an American manufacturer in almost six decades. The two full-season Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.Rs will be bolstered by a single-car effort from Cadillac WTR, increasing the number of Hypercars to 18.
Elsewhere in the top tier, both Peugeot and Alpine will be chasing a big result on home soil after a difficult race in 2025. The former’s last win at La Sarthe was in 2009 with the 908 HDi, while the latter’s drought stretches all the way back to 1978.
Multiple world champion Toyota triumphed at Le Mans five times in succession from 2018 to 2022 and has upped the ante this year, significantly updating its rebaptised TR010 Hybrid Hypercar over the winter in a bid to regain the upper hand.
BMW is similarly aiming high in its third campaign with the M Hybrid V8, while Aston Martin’s Valkyrie showed strong progression last season, and Hyundai premium brand Genesis joins the grid for the first time following a comprehensive development programme. Boasting an all-star driver line-up – spearheaded by two-time world champion and triple Le Mans winner André Lotterer – the ambitious Korean marque clearly means business!
If the likes of Lotterer bring experience, then there are conversely a whole host of young guns in the Hypercar class eager to shine and stake their claim as future front-runners. Ex-FIA Formula 2 champion Théo Pourchaire will take to the track for Peugeot, while fellow Frenchman Victor Martins – another race-winner in the F1 feeder series – makes his endurance racing debut with Alpine in 2026. Both are sure to receive plenty of enthusiastic home support.
BIG NAMES IN LMGT3
A bumper 25-strong field will lock horns in LMGT3 – a division renowned for its close-quarters racing and epic duels. Last year, five of the nine brands in the category won a round of FIA WEC, with the remaining four reaching the rostrum and the leading quartet at La Sarthe all taking the chequered flag on the lead lap. There is, moreover, an intriguing newcomer in the shape of former Williams F1 racer Logan Sargeant – a rookie in Proton Competition’s Ford Mustang.The 18 championship regulars will be complemented by seven additions, including third entries for TF Sport (Corvette) and Iron Lynx (Mercedes-AMG). There is also a Canadian-run Corvette from 13 Autosport, as well as Racing Spirit of Léman’s Aston Martin Vantage, two Kessel Racing Ferrari 296s – one of which will be piloted by Lorenzo Patrese, son of former F1 World Championship runner-up Riccardo Patrese – and a similar car campaigned by Richard Mille AF Corse, whose line-up includes official Ferrari driver Lilou Wadoux.
FAMILIAR FACES MAKING PROTOTYPE CAMEOS
World Endurance ChampionshipWEC24 Hours of Le MansEnduranceWEC
In LMP2, traditionally joining the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes at Le Mans on a one-off basis, 19 prototypes are assembled, featuring a number of faces already familiar to FIA WEC fans. Grégoire Saucy and 2027 McLaren Hypercar driver Mikkel Jensen will be joined in the category by recently appointed Peugeot test and development driver Alex Quinn, reigning F1 Academy champion and Mercedes-AMG F1 development driver Doriane Pin, two-time outright Le Mans winner Romain Dumas, returning to the race for the first time in three years, and two competitors with famous surnames in the form of Pietro Fittipaldi and Enzo Trulli.
SEASON 2026SportCircuit1SportWorld Endurance ChampionshipCircuitWECSEASON 2026WEC24 Hours of Le MansEndurance00Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 5:44pmThursday, February 19, 2026 - 5:44pm -
How do EVs Perform at -32°C? 24 Models Face the Ultimate Winter Test
FIA newsThe Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has welcomed the completion of the 2026 El Prix winter test led by FIA Member Club the Norges Automobil-Forbund (NAF), in collaboration with Motor.
Over two days in January in Folldal, Norway, 24 of the newest electric vehicle (EV) models on the Norwegian market, including the Audi A6 Avant, Ford Capri, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Tesla Model Y, were put to the test in extreme temperatures as low as -32°C. The test – the El Prix – is the world’s largest independent real-world EV test, designed to show global drivers how electric cars actually perform beyond laboratory conditions.
The extreme temperatures impacted the vehicles ranges, with these record low temperatures causing range reductions averaging 38% when compared with the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) benchmarks.
However, despite losing some range, the vehicles remained reliable and comfortable, keeping drivers warm in harsh conditions with few technical issues reported. Encouragingly, when drivers used battery preconditioning before charging, most test vehicles came close to their stated charging times, from 10% to 80% capacity.
The findings offer practical insights for consumers in colder climates across the world – this comes as many countries are facing harsh winters this year with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) stating that this season “could be the longest duration of cold in several decades.”[1]
Tor Arne Litlere, NAF President said:“El Prix provides motorists with invaluable data and insight into how EVs truly perform when tested to their limit in the harshest Nordic conditions.
Situation based knowledge about the deviations from WLTP range is a true value for members and road users from these tests.”
Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility and Sustainability said:"The future of mobility is constantly changing. Providing consumers with essential data on new technologies, such as improved performance of EVs is key for shaping selection and choice for road users.
It is also testament to the adaptability of manufacturers to drive innovation forward to the ultimate benefit of consumers, not only in battery improvements but also in terms of safety standards."
While the results show that extreme cold temperatures have a negative impact on EV range, NAF have suggested that, with proper preparation and a robust charging infrastructure, electric mobility could remain a viable mobility solution in colder regions.
This year’s event also demonstrated enhanced international cooperation through the El Prix Co‑Driver Programme, with participation from the global span of FIA Member Clubs including: the Canadian Automobile Association North & East Ontario (CAA NEO, Canada), Federation of Danish Motorists (FDM, Denmark), Icelandic Automobile Association (FÍB, Iceland), Touring Club Belgium (TCB, Belgium), and the Österreichischer Automobil- Motorrad- Und Turing Club (ÖAMTC, Austria).
El Prix, conducted twice a year to investigate EV performance in winter and summer, serves as a key reference for consumers and industry stakeholders seeking realistic performance expectations in different conditions, complementing the laboratory‑based WLTP figures with data from real‑world scenarios.
For more detailed results and methodology from this year’s El Prix, visit the NAF website: https://www.naf.no/elbil/elprix.
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For media enquiries please contact:
- Nils Sødal, Senior Communications Advisor Nils.Sodal@naf.no
- George Mitchell, Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com
- Laure Mercier Roussel, Head of Mobility Communications: lmercier@fia.com
About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
MobilityMobility
FIA1FIAMobilityMobility00Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 4:47pmThursday, February 19, 2026 - 4:47pm -
Norway Accelerates Grassroots Participation with Electric ‘Arrive & Drive’ Programme
Members newsIn 2025, the Norwegian ASN marked a major milestone in its commitment to accessible, sustainable and inclusive motor sport with the launch of an ambitious electric karting programme, supported by the FIA Motor Sport Funding Programme.
The initiative adopted the ‘Arrive and Drive’ format and utilised 17 electric karts to introduce children aged 9 to 12 to competitive karting for the very first time. The programme offered a comprehensive introduction to motor sport with sessions including driving theory, motor sport safety, personalised coaching support and finally a race simulation.
Hosted at three tracks across Norway; Varna, Rudskogen and Trøgstad, the project gave a first taste of motor sport to young people and forms a key part of the Norwegian Automobilesport Federation’s commitment to grassroots development.
Norway’s Minister of Transport and Communication, Jon‑Ivar Nygård, served as the official starter for the first race last year whilst members of the Norwegian Parliament also attended, highlighting the national significance of the initiative and support for its development.The Norwegian Automobilesport Federation plans to expand the programme this year by expanding the age range up to 16 years old and introduce a ‘pro’ level course for young people with previous experience, designed to raise racing standards.
MembersFIA
Members1MembersFIAMembers00Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 11:43amTuesday, February 17, 2026 - 11:43am -
Peru Concludes 2025 Motor Sport Season with Festiracing, Strengthening Grassroots and Race Official Development
Members newsTouring y Automóvil Club Del Perú, the Peruvian Member Club (ASN) ended the 2025 motor sport season on a high with Festiracing 2025, a two day celebration held on 20–21 December at the Kartódromo de Asia, bringing together fans, drivers, partners, and the next generation of race officials.
Supported by the FIA Motorsport Training Programme, the event is a cornerstone of the Touring y Automóvil Club Del Perú’s strategy to boost motor sport participation and support the training and development of officials across the country.
The event included free karting, sim racing, seminars, exhibitions and a driver meet & greet and with over 500 fans in attendance, Festiracing reaffirmed its status as one of Peru’s most inclusive motor sport events. Fans also had the opportunity to experience the new FIA Cross Car on iRacing, designed to promote participation in the newest form of motor sport.
Festiracing 2025 served as the final stage of training for 60 race officials and included training and development support for karting, rally, and circuit regulations as well as on track practical sessions demonstrating procedures, safety roles and incident response. This structured pathway aims to expand the pool of qualified national officials, ensuring Peru’s motor sport events continue to grow with robust officiating standards.
By combining free, fan focused activities with essential training, Festiracing 2025 strengthened the Peruvian motor sport community and served as an accessible entry point for families, young fans, and newcomers interested in the world of motor sport.
MembersFIA
Members1MembersFIAMembers00Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 11:34amTuesday, February 17, 2026 - 11:34am -
FIA and League of Arab States Strengthen Cooperation on Cross-Border Mobility and Regional Integration
Members newsThe Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the League of Arab States, strengthening cooperation across transport, tourism, sport, and regional policy.
A central focus of this partnership will be improving cross-border movement through internationally recognised travel and transport documents, including the Carnet de Passages en Douane system (CPD) for the temporary admission of vehicles, and the International Driving Permit. Both play an important role in facilitating travel, trade, and tourism, supporting greater regional integration. FIA Member Clubs are trusted issuers of CPDs and International Driving Permits, working closely with national authorities and international frameworks.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:“This memorandum reflects the FIA’s commitment to working in partnership to deliver practical solutions that support mobility, tourism and regional cooperation. By strengthening collaboration with the League of Arab States, we are reinforcing the role of our FIA Member Clubs as trusted partners in facilitating cross-border movement and contributing to economic integration across the region.”
Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Maliki, Assistant Secretary General and Head of Economic Affairs Sector from the League of Arab States, said:“The LAS General Secretariat places great importance on building partnerships with international and regional organisations in this vital sector in all its forms, praising the FIA’s role as a leading international organisation active in transport, tourism, road safety and motor sport for development, and noting that the FIA includes national clubs from a number of Arab countries among its members.”
Essa Hamza, Chair of the FIA MENA Council, added:“This partnership delivers a platform to advance regional connectivity. Together we are strengthening tourism and cross-border travel, creating a real impact for people and institutions across the Arab world.”
Signed at the League’s General Secretariat in Cairo, the agreement builds a framework for practical collaboration and knowledge sharing, creating closer links between the institutions and establishing a basis for engagement between the parties helping both organisations to identify priorities, develop joint activities, and amplify best practices.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
- Geraldine Sherwin, Director of Presidential & Mobility Communications: gsherwin@fia.com
About theFédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
About the League of Arab States
The League of Arab States is a regional intergovernmental organisation founded in 1945 to promote cooperation and coordination among Arab countries. Headquartered in Cairo, it brings together 22 Member States and works to strengthen political, economic, cultural and social collaboration across the Arab region. The League supports joint action in areas including economic development, transport, trade, tourism and regional integration, fostering closer ties and collective progress among its Member States.
TourismMobility
Members1MembersMobilityTourism00Monday, February 16, 2026 - 1:32pmMonday, February 16, 2026 - 1:32pm