The endurance racing series that stretched across an entire year

Countries & Cities · Published 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Most racing seasons last eight months. The 2018–19 FIA World Endurance Championship broke that mold, expanding into a "super season" that spanned over a year. This structural shift fundamentally altered the rhythm of the sport, moving the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans from a season finale to a mid-point milestone.

The 2018–19 season represented a radical departure from the traditional autumn-to-summer calendar. Instead of the usual eight-month window, the series adopted a winter schedule that began in May 2018 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and did not conclude until June 2019. This "super season" structure was designed to allow the 2019–20 season to return to a shorter, more conventional timeframe by starting in the autumn. This transition was co-organized by the FIA and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. The series featured cars divided into four distinct categories. It also included two specific FIA Endurance Trophies for different classes.

The logistical complexity of this expansion was significant. The calendar included two separate runnings of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and two runnings of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. While the series shed locations like Mexico City and the Nürburgring, it integrated Sebring International Raceway for the first time since 2012. To bridge the gap between the European rounds and the Asian circuit, a round at Silverstone was moved to August 2018 after negotiations for a Mexico City event failed to materialize. The 8-hour event at Sebring occurred the day before the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race. Additionally, the Fuji and Shanghai rounds saw their dates adjusted during this period.

Beyond the calendar, the championship underwent a structural overhaul regarding titles. A global title for LMP1 teams substituted the old manufacturer category, as a fresh world championship for LMGTE manufacturers commenced. To earn points, competitors faced rigorous requirements: they had to complete the timed race and cover at least 70% of the winning car's distance, ensuring that only those who truly endured the distance were eligible for the standings. The LMP2 category utilized the Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8 engine throughout the year. Teams also received a single bonus point for securing a pole position in any category.

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