The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has confirmed that the 2019/20 Le Mans 24 Hours has been re-scheduled to a September date due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The ACO and WEC has confirmed the big calendar change for the 2019/20 season as the Le Mans 24 Hours race is deferred to September 19-20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the third race seeing a change in the endurance racing championship.
WEC already cancelled the Sebring 1000 Miles, while the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps has also been postponed. Until few weeks back, the Le Mans race seemed on track but they warned of changes which the ACO has now confirmed as things worsens.
Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO, stated: “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. 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.” At the same time Gerard Neveu, CEO of FIA WEC and ELMS, added:
“It is the right decision to delay in light of the current situation. We are now working on revising our WEC, ELMS, Michelin Le Mans Cup and Ligier European Series 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.”
The full statement from WEC stated:
“As a result of the ongoing coronavirus health situation and current restrictions in France and around the world, the organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, together with the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have decided to postpone the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, originally scheduled for 13/14th June 2020.
“The postponement of the Le Mans race will result in revisions to the FIA WEC, European Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup and Ligier European Series calendars. This information will be confirmed in due course, together with the full timetable for the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2020. During this complicated time, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest wishes to express, even more than usual, all its support for and recognition of healthcare personnel everywhere.”
Here’s news on 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps postponement
Here’s news on WEC cancelled Sebring 1000 Miles