Silverstone will return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar in 2027, bringing the series back to the Home of British Motorsport for the first time in almost a decade.
The circuit shares a long history with the championship, having hosted the fourth FIA WEC race in 2012. Audi Sport Team Joest won that event with the #1 R18 e-tron quattro driven by Benoît Tréluyer, Marcel Fässler and André Lotterer. Lotterer, who now races for Genesis Magma Racing, welcomed the addition of another event to the championship and backed Silverstone to produce strong racing once again.
Lotterer expects Silverstone to deliver close racing
Previously, Lotterer competed at Silverstone during the LMP1 era and helped Audi claim victory during the championship’s inaugural season. The German remembers the circuit as a venue that produced close battles and placed significant demands on both drivers and cars.
He also believes the British motorsport audience will support the event when WEC returns in 2027.
“I’m very happy to see the series coming back to Silverstone and adding another race to the schedule,” enthused the ultra-experienced German while speaking to FIAWEC. “I think it’s really going in the right direction.
“Silverstone has a lot of history, and it was super-fun driving there in LMP1. We had some great battles, and I think it will generate great racing again. Motorsport is huge in the UK, so I hope we’re going to receive a lot of support from the fans. I’m really looking forward to it!”
Silverstone’s high-speed layout should suit the current generation of Hypercars, while the circuit’s width and overtaking opportunities could create different strategic options during the race.
Adam looks forward to Aston Martin home event
Jonny Adam also raced at Silverstone during the first FIA WEC season in 2012. The Scot competed for Aston Martin Racing in a naturally aspirated V8 car carrying the manufacturer’s well-known Gulf livery. Although a late problem ended the team’s race, Adam retains positive memories of the event and the attention generated by the car.
“We had great fun back in 2012,” reflected the Scot. “We ran as Aston Martin Racing with the naturally-aspirated V8 engine and iconic Gulf livery – it was awesome to be a part of that. The noise of the car with its GT2 exhaust pipes was pretty special and attracted a lot of people to come and see it, and while the race didn’t go 100 per cent for us – we were running quite consistently inside the top five but had a small issue near to the end that forced us to retire – it was a really cool event.
“Silverstone is iconic as a circuit because it’s very high-speed in nature with corners like Copse, Maggots and Becketts and it’s very wide and open, with so many overtaking points throughout the lap.
“Like myself, a lot of teams, drivers and personnel that are based in the UK will be really excited to have a home event and obviously from the Aston Martin side, it’ll be a huge spectacle to have both the fan-favourite Valkyrie and Vantage there, causing a stir and bringing some noise!”
Adam returned to the FIA WEC grid in 2026 and reached the LMGT3 podium at Le Mans with Heart of Racing Team teammates ‘Dudu’ Barrichello and Gray Newell. Silverstone will now give him and several other British-based drivers and teams a home event.
Calado expects Ferrari 499P to suit Silverstone
James Calado has already experienced success at Silverstone, having won there in the LMGTE Pro category in 2018. The British driver believes the circuit will offer an even greater challenge behind the wheel of the Ferrari 499P Hypercar.
Calado also expects strong attendance from British supporters, who have continued to follow the growth of the championship.
“Silverstone is one of the best tracks,” remarked Calado, “and I’m sure with a Hypercar like the Ferrari 499P, it’s only going to be more enjoyable. I know it’s something the British fans have always wanted, and no doubt the turnout will be good, like we have seen over recent years in FIA WEC.
“It’s nice to get a home race for myself, especially at the highest level. It was a great thrill to stand on the top step of the podium there in 2018, during a season that ended with my first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and I’m really looking forward to going back.”
Silverstone’s fast direction changes through Maggots and Becketts should showcase the aerodynamic performance of the current Hypercar field. Meanwhile, Copse and the circuit’s long straights will place further emphasis on confidence, balance and traffic management.
Toyota drivers welcome return to familiar venue
Toyota Racing drivers Sébastien Buemi and Mike Conway have also won FIA WEC races at Silverstone. Buemi triumphed at the British circuit during his first world championship-winning season in 2014. Conway then won there five years later before claiming his first world title.
Both drivers welcomed the return of a venue where Toyota has enjoyed previous success.
“It’s mega to be back at Silverstone,” said Buemi. “I can’t wait to return! It’s a great circuit with lots of history and lots of fans who know so much about racing – I think everyone is very much looking forward to that race.”
Conway has raced extensively at Silverstone throughout his career and believes the event will allow British supporters to experience the modern era of endurance racing.
“It’s exciting to be going back to Silverstone,” echoed Conway. “It’s a track I’ve done a lot of racing at over the years, even before FIA WEC. The last time we were there was during the LMP1 days, since when, there have been quite a few changes to the circuit and its facilities.
“We always had a good crowd, and it will be great for the British fans to experience endurance racing as it is today. To have another race on the calendar will be a big challenge for the teams and a lot of fun.”
The extra round will add another logistical and sporting challenge for the teams. However, it will also bring the championship to one of Europe’s strongest motorsport markets.
Magnussen eager for first Silverstone Hypercar race
Kevin Magnussen knows Silverstone well from Formula 1, having competed in 10 British Grands Prix at the circuit between 2014 and 2024. However, the BMW M Team WRT driver has never raced the 5.891km layout in a Hypercar. He expects the speed and flow of the circuit to create a particularly rewarding experience in the current machinery.
“Silverstone is one of the truly iconic circuits in world motorsport,” the Dane commented. “It’s a track every driver enjoys because it’s so fast and flowing, and when you get a car hooked-up through corners like Maggots, Becketts and Copse, it’s a pretty special feeling.
“I also have a lot of memories from my Formula 1 years there. The atmosphere is always great and the British fans are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about racing. I think Silverstone fits naturally on the FIA WEC calendar, so it’s great to see it coming back for 2027!”
Magnussen’s comments reflect the wider reaction from the grid. Drivers value Silverstone for its history, but they also appreciate the challenge created by its rapid corners and changing sequences.
Silverstone starts new FIA WEC chapter
Silverstone last hosted FIA WEC during the LMP1 era. The championship will return with a much larger field of manufacturers competing across the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories. The 2027 event will therefore combine the circuit’s endurance racing history with a new generation of cars, teams and factory programmes.
For British drivers and manufacturers, the race will provide an important home appearance. For international competitors, it will add one of motorsport’s best-known venues to an increasingly competitive calendar.
Silverstone helped shape the early years of the FIA WEC. Its return in 2027 will begin another chapter, with drivers already expecting fast laps, close competition and strong support from the British crowd.
