Race Calendar Season 2024

Few circuits in the world can boast of having hosted so many forms of competitions up to the highest level: Formula 1, Grand Prix Motorbikes, F 3000, Formula 2, Formula 3, Endurance motorbikes for the Bol d’Or and the 24 Heures Motos, 1000 km Motorbikes, 24 hours Trucks, Kart 250, 24 hours on foot, on bicycle, on roller skates and in dragsters as well as all the car and bicycle promotion events.

Landmark dates for the Bugatti circuit
17 September 1966: Official inauguration of the Bugatti Circuit
2 July 1967: first French F1 Grand Prix.
7 September 1969: organisation of “1000 km”, 1st motorcycle Endurance test.
22 and 23 April 1978 1st edition of the 24 Heures Motos
Since 2000: The Motorbikes Grand Prix of France contested each year at Le Mans
Since 2008: last configuration of the Bugatti circuit (4.185 km)

In 100 words: A track as legendary as it is demanding hosts international-level motorbike racing for the first time since 2001 when the 24H SPA EWC Motos revives the spirit of the 24 Heures de Liège, once an EWC calendar mainstay. The iconic circuit has undergone extensive safety upgrades mandated by FIM and FMB specifically for the EWC’s return. Central to the changes, which have been ratified by the FIA in line with car racing requirements, are expanded run-off areas at several corners, the repositioning of safety barriers in some sections, plus the minor realignment of Turn 9, albeit for bike use only.

Fast facts:
*The return of the EWC to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was first discussed in 2015, shortly after Discovery Sports Events (formerly Eurosport Events) became championship promoter as part of a long-term agreement with governing body, FIM.
*Although a 22h00hrs start on Friday was originally planned, the 24H SPA EWC Motos gets underway at 14h00hrs.
*At 7.004 kilometres, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit on the EWC calendar.
*In alignment with Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Discovery Sports Events appointed PHA Claude Michy, the organisation behind the French MotoGP round, to support the general coordination of 24H SPA EWC Motos.
*The return of EWC racing to Belgium coincides with Xavier Siméon chasing a hat-trick of championship titles following success in 2020 and 2021.

Landmark dates of the Suzuka circuit
September 1962: Opening of the Suzuka circuit.
30 July 1978: the 1st edition of Suzuka 8 Hours won by the Americans Wes Cooley and Mike Baldwin (Suzuki Yoshimura)
1 August 1982: 1st Japanese victory at Suzuka with Shigeo Iijima and Shinji Hagiwara (Honda). The race was reduced to 6 h due to a typhoon
1 November 1987: first Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The Bol d’Or, which is taking place for the 80th time in 2016, has been held at different circuits over the years. Initially a road race when it was created in 1922, it later moved to various purpose-built circuits – Montlhéry, Le Mans, Paul Ricard and Nevers Magny-Cours – before returning to Castellet and the Paul Ricard circuit in 2015.

Landmark dates of the Paul Ricard circuit
19 April 1970: Inauguration
1971: First F1 French Grand Prix
1973: First motorcycle French Grand Prix
1980: First Bol d’Or
1999: Purchase by a new buyer and start of work to renovate and redevelop the circuit
2002: Re-opening as the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track
2006: Circuit gains FIA approval
2009: Circuit re-opened to the public, with 10 to 20 events per year
2015: Return of the Bol d’Or to the Paul Ricard circuit