The European Le Mans Series (ELMS) will retain its six-round format and the same collection of circuits for the 2027 season, although Barcelona will host a considerably earlier opening event.
The championship will begin with the Prologue on 8 and 9 March before the 4 Hours of Barcelona takes place on 14 March. The race will start the campaign four weeks earlier than the corresponding 2026 round.
Le Castellet, Imola, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and Portimão will then complete another calendar of six four-hour races across some of Europe’s leading endurance venues.
Barcelona moves into an earlier March date
Barcelona will once again open the season, but the earlier date represents the most significant change to the 2027 schedule. Teams will complete the official Prologue at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 8 and 9 March. The championship will then remain at the Spanish venue for the opening race weekend, which culminates with the 4 Hours of Barcelona on Sunday, 14 March.
The March start gives teams less preparation time during the winter and places greater importance on productive running at the Prologue. It also creates a seven-week break before the second round in France.
Paul Ricard restores full Mistral Straight
The 4 Hours of Le Castellet will form Round 2 from 30 April to 2 May at Circuit Paul Ricard. However, competitors will face a revised version of the circuit. Organisers plan to remove the chicane from the Mistral Straight, allowing the field to use the full 1.8-kilometre section for the first time since 2024.
The change should increase top speeds and place greater emphasis on straight-line efficiency. It could also create additional overtaking opportunities before the Signes corner, while forcing teams to balance low-drag performance against stability through Paul Ricard’s faster sections.
Imola retains post-Le Mans position
The championship will pause for the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 12 and 13 June before resuming at Imola. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari will host Round 3 from 2 to 4 July. As a result, ELMS teams and drivers involved at Le Mans will have several weeks to recover and prepare for the technical Italian circuit.
Imola’s narrow layout, elevation changes and aggressive kerbs offer a contrasting challenge to Le Mans. Qualifying and track position should again play major roles because the circuit provides fewer straightforward overtaking opportunities than several other venues on the calendar.
Spa celebrates a decade on the ELMS calendar
Spa-Francorchamps will stage Round 4 as the Belgian circuit celebrates the 10th year of ELMS competition at the venue. The championship has regularly visited Spa during its modern era, and the circuit remains one of the calendar’s most recognisable stops.
Its long lap, variable weather and high-speed corners can quickly transform a four-hour race. Consequently, teams must combine outright performance with adaptable strategy and careful traffic management throughout the event.
Silverstone returns for third ELMS visit
The Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone will take place from 3 to 5 September. The event will mark the ELMS’ third appearance at the British circuit. It will also give local endurance racing supporters another opportunity to watch Le Mans machinery after the FIA World Endurance Championship returns to Silverstone earlier in 2027.
Silverstone’s high-speed layout places heavy demands on aerodynamic balance and tyre management. Its position late in the campaign could also make the British round particularly important to the developing championship battles.
Portimão hosts another season finale
The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will conclude the season for the 11th time. The 4 Hours of Portimão will run from 30 September to 2 October, placing the finale less than one month after Silverstone.
Portimão’s dramatic elevation changes and technical layout regularly create unpredictable races. The relatively short interval between the final two rounds will also give teams limited time to respond to setbacks from Silverstone before the championship deciders.
The Portuguese circuit therefore retains its established role as the stage on which the ELMS crowns its drivers and teams.
Stable 20276 ELMS calendar supports teams and partners
The ELMS has chosen continuity by retaining all six circuits from the 2026 campaign.
That stability allows teams, manufacturers and championship partners to plan around familiar venues while still facing a varied collection of technical challenges. Barcelona and Paul Ricard reward aerodynamic efficiency, while Imola demands precision and strong Qualifying execution.
Spa and Silverstone place greater emphasis on high-speed performance, before Portimão tests drivers through constant elevation and balance changes.
The championship’s organisers also highlighted the continued growth of the series, including increasing audiences and stronger attendance at events. They believe the established six-round format provides teams with the facilities and variety required at the top level of European endurance competition.
2027 ELMS calendar
The 2027 ELMS season will begin with the Barcelona Prologue on 8 and 9 March.
The six race weekends are:
- 4 Hours of Barcelona — 12-14 March
- 4 Hours of Le Castellet — 30 April-2 May
- 4 Hours of Imola — 2-4 July
- 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps — date to be confirmed
- Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone — 3-5 September
- 4 Hours of Portimão — 30 September-2 October
By keeping the same circuits while moving the opening round forward, the ELMS has combined calendar stability with an earlier start to its 2027 campaign.
