Discovery extends its coverage of Le Mans and the FIA WEC
Le Mans 2020 race winners Brendon Hartley of New Zealand, Kazuki Nakajima of Japan and Sebastien Buemi of Switzerland celebrate victory for the #08 Toyota Gazoo Racing Toyota TS050 Hybrid in parc ferme at the Circuit de la Sarthe on 20 September 2020 (Photo by James Moy Photography/Getty Images)
Discovery has further expanded its coverage of the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of a renewed agreement with the FIA World Endurance Championship and its exclusive media rights partner Infront.
Through Discovery’s portfolio of motorsport brands and channels, the partnership comprises coverage from every round of the FIA WEC, including qualifying, available live and on-demand for viewers in more than 100 markets across Europe, North America and Asia.
Eurosport, Discovery’s multi-sport brand, will provide exclusive coverage of 24 Hours of Le Mans – motorsport’s oldest race – across its channels and digital platforms in more than 50 markets across Europe. Discovery’s MotorTrend App and MotorTrend TV will show exclusive coverage for US viewers with the action available on Velocity television and streaming on the MotorTrend App in Canada. Global streaming service discovery+ will also screen the race via Eurosport and MotorTrend TV in available markets.
Trojan Paillot, VP rights acquisitions and syndication, Eurosport, said: “24 Hours of Le Mans is steeped in history as one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and is a race that forms a key part of our live motorsport offering for fans.
“Combining our deep sports expertise and storytelling ability with Discovery’s global scale, we’re pleased our renewed agreement with Infront will see us continue to screen the best motorsport events to millions, further expanding the reach of Le Mans and the WEC to the widest possible audience.”
Frédéric Lequien, FIA WEC CEO, added: “It is fantastic that the WEC will be shown in more than 100 markets and territories as part of this new broadcast deal with Discovery. As we are set to welcome a host of global manufacturers over the next couple of years in our new Hypercar category, it’s important to have increased visibility and we are confident we can achieve this thanks to Discovery’s diverse portfolio of motorosport brands and channels.”
Discovery will also harness the world’s best motorsport talent to front its coverage of 24 Hours of Le Mans with record nine-time champion Tom Kristensen continuing in his role as expert for Eurosport for the 2021 season.
Discovery’s motorsport portfolio provides coverage of the biggest championships and races globally. As well as Discovery’s stake in Formula E, Eurosport Events’ motorsport expertise includes organisation and promotion of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), FIA World Tour Car Championship (WTCR), the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) and PURE ETCR (FIA eTouring Car World Cup from 2022).
The next round of the FIA WEC will be staged at Monza in Italy (16-18 July), with the 89th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans to take place the following month (21-22 August).