7 Race 2006 Calendar Includes Le Mans and Bol d’Or The 2006 World Endurance Championship calendar has been announced by the FIM (Federation International de Motocyclisme). The inclusion of the two 24 Hour classic French races is a key development for the championship, creating a strong basis for future growth. 2006 World Endurance Championship Calendar April 17: Assen 500km Netherlands April 22/23: Le Mans 24 Hours France May 20: Albacete 8 Hours Spain June 18: Zolder 1000km Belgium July 30: Suzuki 8 Hours Japan August 12/13: Oschersleben 24 Hours Germany September 16/17: Bol d’Or 24 Hours (Magny Cours) France The seven events include races of four different formats and add up to a staggering 98 hours of racing over six months, six countries and two continents. The three 24 hour races at Le Mans, Oschersleben and the Bol d’Or will be classic tests of the performance and stamina of both man and machine. The two 8 hour events at Albacete and Suzuka will test competitors in gruelling heat and at Suzuka humidity. The Assen 500km (approximately three and a half hours) and Zolder 1000km (approximately six and a half hours) races will put the emphasis on lap times and faultless pit stops. The two classic French 24 Hour races rejoin the championship after a four year break. Both were cornerstones of the championship through the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s and their return will be welcomed by the competitors, spectators, sponsors and the championship organisers. The two races were last part of the World Endurance Championship in 2001. That season’s Le Mans 24 hour race was won by GMT94, who became World Endurance Champions in 2004, while the 2001 Bol d’Or was won by Suzuki Castrol, winners of the 2005 World Endurance Championship.