How the Endurance World Championship (EWC) points system works

The FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) employs a multi-layered points system that not only rewards the final result of a race, but also takes into account performances in qualifying and, in endurance classics, even interim standings. This adds to the excitement – and opens up strategic possibilities.

Compared to sprint formats such as MotoGP or the World Superbike Championship, the EWC’s points system is significantly more complex. Points are up for grabs even before the actual race start and before crossing the finish line. Let’s explain the options teams have for scoring points across the four race weekends.

Points in qualifying

Teams can pick up valuable points even before the actual race begins. The top five teams in qualifying are rewarded:

• Pole position: 5 points

• 2nd place: 4 points

• 3rd place: 3 points

• 4th place: 2 points

• 5th place: 1 point

In a closely fought championship in particular, this early points cushion can prove decisive.

Points in 8-hour races

In the classic 8-hour races (Spa and Suzuka), only the final result counts. The top six receive a fixed number of points, with points awarded in increments of one thereafter:

• 1st place: 30 points

• 2nd place: 24 points

• 3rd place: 21 points

• 4th place: 19 points

• 5th place: 17 points

• 6th place: 15 points

• 7th to 20th places: in descending order in increments of one

This ensures a broad distribution of points, which also rewards consistency in the midfield.

Points in 24-hour races

The prestigious 24-hour races – such as the season opener at Le Mans or the finale at the Bol d’Or – offer the greatest potential for points in the season. Both the final result and the performance during the race are taken into account:

• 1st place: 40 points

• 2nd place: 33 points

• 3rd place: 28 points

• 4th place: 24 points

• 5th place: 21 points

• 6th place: 19 points

• 7th place: 15 points

• 8th place: 14 points

• 9th place: 13 points

• 10th place: 11 points

• 11th to 20th places: in increments of one

Interim results after 8 and 16 hours:

In addition, two interim standings are recorded during the 24-hour races:

• Leader: 10 points

• Runner-up: 9 points

• Third: 8 points

• Fourth: 7 points

• Fifth: 6 points

• Sixth: 5 points

• Seventh: 4 points

• Eighth: 3 points

• Ninth: 2 points

• Tenth: 1 point

These bonus points can play a key role in the title race – particularly if a team gets off to a strong start but fails to win the race.

Conclusion

The EWC points system rewards not only victory, but also consistency, speed in qualifying and strategic resilience. In 24-hour races in particular, the opportunities to score points add up – making the World Endurance Championship one of the most tactically demanding series in motorsport.