WESS withdraws after loss of sponsor
In an official statement, WESS Promotion explained that, despite intensive efforts, it was unable to find a new partner that could provide the necessary financial resources. The series’ main sponsor, KTM, had already pulled out in December 2024. The Austrian manufacturer is itself struggling with financial challenges, which led to its withdrawal from sponsorship.
The statement from WESS reads: “As the current promoter of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, we regret to announce that we will not be able to host the championship in 2025. Despite many promising discussions and successful negotiations, we have reached our self-imposed deadline without securing the necessary financial support. We have therefore made the difficult decision to discontinue our plans for the 2025 season.”
Problems finding sponsors
According to WESS, many potential sponsors had already made long-term plans for the 2025 season at the time of the announcement, which made the search for new sponsors even more difficult. Without the financial basis, the promoter had no choice but to withdraw.
FIM is looking for a solution
Jorge Viegas, President of the FIM World Motorcycling Federation, has now also commented on the situation. He said: “The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship is a great championship, so we are determined to find a solution that can ensure its continuation this year and beyond.” This signals that the FIM is actively seeking a new promoter or an alternative concept.
Individual events will remain
Even if the future of the official world championship is currently open, some well-known events are still on the calendar. Competitions such as the Erzbergrodeo, the Red Bull Romaniacs and the Tennessee Knockout are to be held as individual events independently of the FIM and the championship. Red Bull’s support will be retained for these events, which will ensure that they are held.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen whether the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship can still be saved in 2025 or whether the series will have to take a break for the time being. What is clear, however, is that the scene will not come to a standstill even without the official championship – at least the biggest events will take place as planned.
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