As the first round of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship gets underway with the 24 Heures of Le Mans, EMP outlines its goals.
The following is a press release from the FIM…
Le Mans, France (April 17, 2026) – The FIM Endurance World Championship press conference brought together the paddock to detail how the new promoter will operate.
FIM President Jorge Viegas opened the session before handing over to Claude Michy. The EMP President gave a clear update on the project and invited the shareholders on stage. Representatives from the ACO (Gilles Huttepin), Honda Mobilityland (Tsuyoshi Saito), Larivière Organisation (Sophie Casasnovas), and Motul (Hélène Zaugg) each spoke to outline their commitment to this new era.
Partnerships were next on the agenda. Claude Michy confirmed that Dunlop, Webike, and Bridgestone remain on board. The championship is also expanding its partner lineup, welcoming ON AIR, Honda, Suzuki, Ixon, and Elf Racing Fuel.
The event wrapped up with two major announcements. Marc VDS Swiss Racing SA steps up as the title partner. Then, Motul detailed its direct investment in EMP and officially launched the Motul Challenge [see press release at the end of this post, Ed.].
Here’s Cycle News’ guide, in brief, to the 2026 FIM World Endurance Championship, including the different classes, a few things new for 2026, and how to watch the races live:
Organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the championship is operated and promoted by Endurance Moto Promoter (EMP), an entity that brings together the key stakeholders for this championship: the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), PHA (Claude Michy), Honda Mobilityland Corporation, Larivière Organisation, and now Motul. EMP’s role is to organize the races, develop the championship, and manage its operations.
Endurance Moto Promoter Goals
- Endurance Moto Promoter (EMP) has plans to modernize the timing system by adopting MyLaps technology (as used by MotoGP and WorldSBK).
- GPS tracking will be integrated for better fan interactivity.
- International TV coverage will be provided by Warner Bros. Discovery.
2026 FIM World Endurance Championship Classes
The EWC is made up of three distinct categories: Formula EWC, Superstock and Production.
Qualifying is based on the average time of the fastest two riders, and all riders must qualify within 108 percent of the fastest team in each category.
- Formula EWC
Each FIM EWC team consists of three riders with a fourth rider nominated as a reserve. The premier Formula EWC class, with black number plates, allows for modification of the fork, damper, swingarm, brakes, radiator and exhaust.
Teams are permitted to work on increasing engine performance, and all bikes feature a quick wheel-change system. Bikes must be a minimum of 170 kilograms at the end of each race. The bikes use white headlamps.
- Superstock (FIM Endurance World Cup)
For the red-plated Superstock machines, the bikes must be almost identical to production models and are equipped with Dunlop tires. Superstock and Production teams can enter three riders with one reserve for the eight-hour events and four race riders for the 24-hour contests.
Limited-engine modifications are permitted, including jets and fuel mapping, clutch reinforcement and a different silencer. The bikes are to use yellow-light headlamps and achieve a minimum weight of 170 kilograms. In both Formula EWC and Superstock, the fuel tank is modified to a max capacity of 24 liters and fitted with a quick-refueling device. The Superstock teams count their best three scores only.
- Production (FIM Endurance World Trophy)
The entry-level Production class also only counts the best three scores. The class uses 1000cc machines and must closely resemble their road-going counterparts, but with basics mods, to limit costs.
The standard fuel tank can be used and replaced during pitstops with the aid of a quick-release connector (rather than refueling), and a minimum pitstop time will be regulated for safety reasons. Dunlop provides 10 sets of tires free for the 24-hour race and five sets for the 8-hour race.
This class uses blue number plates, yellow lights, and must meet a minimum 170 kilogram. The EWC Independent Trophy is for any Formula EWC, Superstock and Production team competing without manufacturer support.
2026 FIM World Endurance Calendar
| 4/16-19 (Rnd 1) 24 Heures of Le Mans |
| 6/5-6 (Rnd 2) 8 Hours of Spa Motos |
| 7/3-5 (Rnd 3) Suzuka 8 Hours |
| 9/17-20 (Rnd 4) Bol D’Or |
How to Watch
Warner Bros. Discovery will have all four races live and on demand. FIM-Moto.tv will stream the races in more than 110 countries, including the USA.
Click here to see all the TV and Livestream Racing Listings on Cycle News.
The following is a press release from Motul…
Motul enters the capital of EMP to support growth of the FIM EWC World Endurance Championship
Aubervilliers, April 17, 2026 – Motul announces the acquisition of a 10% stake in EMP, the organizer and promoter of the FIM EWC World Endurance Championship.
This decision marks a major turning point for motorcycle endurance racing, now structured as a championship, and supports EMP’s growth ambitions. Motul and EMP are joining forces to enhance the championship’s visibility and appeal.
“This equity investment represents the natural next step in our long-standing commitment to endurance racing. It reflects our determination to provide sustained support to the discipline, while leveraging technological innovation to enhance performance and reliability. Our objective is twofold: to make races more accessible to a broader audience and to strengthen our connection with the many fans of this discipline.” Andreea Culcea, Chief People, Brand & Communications Officer.
Making the event more accessible
To mark this new commitment to endurance, Motul has created the Challenge Motul, which will be implemented starting with the Spa Motos 8 Hours race. Through this Challenge, Motul aims to support teams in the Superstock and Production categories by offering them product allocations as well as financial rewards for the team leading the Challenge standings at each event. A way to make the practice of motorcycle endurance racing more accessible, which requires, beyond passion and hard work, considerable investment in equipment.
To make this legendary event even more accessible, Motul is strengthening its program for welcoming young apprentices from Garages Ecoles. Launched through the Motul Corazon Foundation, this initiative offers students from garage schools a unique experience within the FIM EWC Championship, creating a tangible link between learning and professional opportunities. The program includes unique experiences, such as immersion in a garage within a team allowing students to experience live the intensity of the race very close to the drivers and mechanics, privileged exchanges with championship organizers, and prize presentations on the podium.
Strengthening the relationship with fans
With nearly 650,000 followers on social media, the FIM EWC World Endurance Championship has an impact far beyond the racetrack. As a long-standing technical partner, Motul has developed deep knowledge of the needs and uses of riders and teams, while also fostering a close relationship with its own fan base.
By strengthening their collaboration, EMP and Motul aim to combine their respective insights and enhance them through a data capture and management system deployed across championship events. The objective is to anticipate evolving fan expectations and deliver more relevant and engaging products and experiences, from more exciting experiences during races to more personalized communications.
“We aim to jointly design high value-added activations.” Claude Michy, President of EMP
Motul and Endurance Racing
Involved in endurance racing for about forty years, with a role as official supplier to the FIM EWC since 2024, Motul plays a central and structuring role in the championship, with a comprehensive presence spanning technical, sporting, and institutional dimensions.
Leveraging its expertise in high-performance lubrication, tested under the most demanding conditions, Motul supports leading teams such as Yoshimura SERT Motul, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, F.C.C. TSR Honda France, and Honda HRC, contributing to their competitive success.
Beyond competition, Motul partners with the EWC and its global platform to deliver activations for fans and partners, while showcasing its expertise at the most prestigious events on the calendar, including the 24 Heures Motos and the 8 Hours of Suzuka.
Through this multi-level engagement – technical, sporting and marketing—Motul confirms its role as a key player in motorcycle endurance racing and reaffirms its DNA: to innovate, perform, and share the passion for motorsport on a global scale.
