LE MANS 24 HOUR RESCHEDULED

Le Mans 24 Hour rescheduled – Photo: LAT

The 88th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been rescheduled for 19-20 September 2020.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

Originally scheduled to take place on the 13-14 June, organisers have elected to move the iconic race in light of the changing health situation related to the coronavirus/COVID-19 and the latest Government guidelines.

Restrictions are currently in force in France and other countries around the world to curb the spread of coronavirus. Consequently, race organiser, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has decided, in conjunction with the Féderation Internationale Automobile (FIA) and the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), to postpone the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Postponing the 24 Hours of Le Mans from the original dates in June is now the most appropriate way forward in the current exceptional circumstances.” said Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

“First and foremost, I urge everyone to avoid putting themselves, their loved ones and others at risk. The most important thing today is to curtail the spread of this virus. Our thoughts go out to medical staff working relentlessly for the sake of us all.”

“The postponement of the 24 Hours of Le Mans means making changes to the WEC and ELMS calendars and we shall announce the new dates shortly. The safety and quality of our events will not be compromised.”

“Competitors, sponsors, fans, media, medical services and organisers – it is time to pull together, more than ever before.”

The postponement will see revised calendars released in due course for the FIA WEC, European Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup and Ligier European Series Calendars.

“It is the right decision to delay in light of the current situation.” said Gérard Neveu, CEO of FIA WEC and ELMS.

“We are now working on revising our WEC and ELMS calendars for the remainder of this season, and for the WEC’s Season 9 which was due to start in September 2020.”

“We will come back to you in the coming days with more news for both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series.”

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