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REVISED WEC CALENDAR RELEASED

Revised WEC calendar released - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Revised WEC calendar released - Photo: LAT

Revised WEC calendar released – Photo: LAT

The FIA and the FIA WEC promoter have released a revised provisional schedule which would see out the remainder of the 2019-2020 season.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

As a result of the COVID-19 situation, a provisional calendar has been put in place to conclude the current eight-round season.

“The evolution of this global health crisis has left us with little choice. It is today impossible to consider organising an international motorsport event before the summer, so we have rearranged the calendar accordingly while keeping the same number of events on the schedule.” said Gérard Neveu, CEO of the WEC.

“However, we must be prepared for some big changes for next season because we will have to incorporate many parameters, starting with the inevitable economic difficulties that are to come.”

“For the time being our overriding concern is for everyone’s good health, and we hope that everyone will take good care of themselves and their loved ones in the weeks to come.”

The TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps has been rescheduled to Saturday 15th August to maintain its spot as the traditional lead into the 24 Hours of Le Mans which was previously rescheduled by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest for the 19/20th September.

“An exceptional decision for an exceptional situation.” said Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO.

“In the context of what we are all going through now, the reprogramming of the FIA WEC’s Season 8 calendar required certain adjustments in concert with our different partners, competitors and host circuits.”

“However, to ensure the quality and fairness of this championship, this year it is necessary to depart from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, scheduled for 19/20th September, being the Super Finale of the 2019-2020 FIA World Endurance Championship.”

“This modification to the current FIA WEC has been established with full transparency and with the understanding of all concerned. Once again, the priority is to ensure the good performance of our championships by limiting as far as possible the effects of this crisis for all.”

“Furthermore, I can now tell you that the start of the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans will be at 14h30 (local time) on 19th September. This time has been decided upon with our partners, notably TV, and with our competitors.”

Replacing the cancelled 1000 Miles of Sebring is the 8 Hours of Bahrain, which will be run on 21st November to round out the current season, a couple of weeks ahead of its original spot the 2020/2021 schedule.

The 2020/2021 scheduled will also be reworked, with the series now not expected to start before March 2021.

2019 – 2020 FIA WEC Updated Provisional Calendar

01 September 2019 – 4 Hours of Silverstone (GBR)

06 October 2019 – 6 Hours of Fuji (JPN)

10 November 2019 – 4 Hours of Shanghai (CHN)

14 December 2019 – 8 Hours of Bahrain (BAH)

23 February 2020 -Lone Star Le Mans (USA)

15 August 2020 – TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)

19 & 20 September 2020 – 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA)

21 November 2020 – 8 Hours of Bahrain (BAH)

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