P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Silverstone is the leading contender to join an expanded WEC calendar – but that expansion is unlikely to come in 2026.
The 2026 World Endurance Championship calendar is expected to be similar to the current and previous years, with potential expansion to a ninth round in 2027. If this expansion occurs, Silverstone may make a comeback after last featuring in 2019, as hinted by CEO Frédéric Lequien during the 2025 season calendar announcement. Despite the WEC’s growth, budget concerns have led to maintaining eight rounds to cater to a wider audience across different regions. In 2026, the Qatar 1812 km race will move to the end of March, due to the scheduling clash with Ramadan. The return of Silverstone could be attributed to the improvement in the WEC’s status and the significance of the UK market in motorsports. Additionally, the presence of top manufacturers like Ferrari and Toyota further solidifies the importance of including Silverstone in the WEC calendar.
