The ELMS will travel to Monza and Portimao in 2017

The 2017 calendarELMS, unveiled on the sidelines of the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps meeting (Belgium), includes two important changes. If the number of events remains fixed at six meetings, the discipline will go to Monza to replace Imola for the Italian meeting, while the season will conclude in Portimao and no longer in Estoril.

In addition, the official tests will no longer be held at Paul-Ricard (Var) but at Monza.

“The 2017 calendar offers competitors and fans one of the best opportunities to take part in a championship that has quickly become a leading endurance series in Europe. Continuity in maintaining 6 rounds, with 4-hour races, on prestigious circuits, will only increase the popularity of these events,” declared Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO.

“Among the circuits recognized in Europe for motorsport, some speak for themselves thanks to their tradition and their history. In addition to Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, we now have Monza which has a very long history with endurance. We can't wait to go there in 2017 just as we can't wait to create new traditions and new history on the more modern tracks like Portimão, in the sunny Algarve region, where we will close the season,” added Gérard Nephew, the director of the ELMS.

The organizers of the ELMS will also set up two separate classifications for the current LMP2s and the new ones complying with the new 2017 regulations. Only teams entering new prototypes will be able to claim the titles and selections for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018.

2017 ELMS Calendar

Official tests in Monza (Italy): April 14-15
Silverstone (Great Britain): May 12-14
Red Bull Ring (Austria): July 21-23
Paul-Ricard: August 25-27
Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium): September 22-24
Portimao (Portugal): October 20-22