The WEC, launched in 2012, is a new world championship created by the FIA in cooperation with the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest), organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It follows F1, WRC, WTCC, and FIA-GT. The championship spans eight races worldwide, including Silverstone (UK), the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France), and the Nürburgring (Germany). Its official name is the FIA World Endurance Championship. In Japan, it was officially known as the "2015 FIA World Endurance Championship Round 6 Fuji 6 Hours Endurance Race." This global race took place at the Fuji Speedway on October 9, 2015.



There are four classes in which one can participate in the WEC. Signatech Alpine, sponsored by Tissot, competes in the "Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2)" class, which uses dedicated prototype racing cars. The regulations stipulate a maximum of an 8-cylinder, 5-liter naturally aspirated engine, or a 6-cylinder, 3.2-liter engine for turbocharged or supercharged vehicles. The minimum vehicle weight for all is 900kg, with a fuel tank capacity of 75 liters, among other specifications.

The Signatech Alpine car that participated is equipped with NISSAAN's VK45DE, a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 engine that also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The chassis is the Alpine A450B.
Another class, "Le Mans Prototype 1," is also noteworthy, as it allows for the participation of hybrid systems and is contested by automobile manufacturers. Toyota, a source of pride for Japan, competes alongside Audi and Porsche. This race serves as a proving ground for cutting-edge technology in endurance racing.

In terms of race results, Signatech Alpine, sponsored by Tissot, achieved 10th place overall and 2nd in its class. Despite a challenging race with changing weather conditions, the drivers' skill and the team's strength bore fruit.

The WEC season concludes in November 2016, with a total of eight races scheduled for 2016. The first round was held at Silverstone, UK, on April 16th. In Japan, the race will be held at Fuji Speedway on October 16th. This is an excellent opportunity to witness the valiant efforts of those who competed in the "24 Hours of Le Mans," one of the world's three major motorsport races, here in Japan. We will continue to follow Tissot, a watchmaker that supports motorsports, and the WEC.