The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has released a revised 2019-20 calendar, while they have confirmed that 2021 will be re-worked fully.
With motor racing activities on a halt due to COVID-19 pandemic, the WEC has released a revised calendar for the 2019-20 season where eight races has been retained in all albeit to be held on a different date than their original schedule, going deep into 2020.
As things stand, the WEC season will resume with the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps on August 15, while Le Mans 24 Hours will be held on September 19-20 and the year to end with 8 Hours of Bahrain on November 21 – this depends on situation getting normal.
If the COVID-19 pandemic continues play spoilsport, there will be further changes made. For now, the 2021 WEC calendar will be completely re-worked with the superseason no longer a possibility. It will return to the old format with roots to not begin before March.
Gerard Neveu, CEO of the WEC said: “The evolution of this global health crisis has left us with little choice. It is today impossible to consider organizing an international motorsport event before the summer, so we have rearranged the calendar accordingly while keeping the same number of events on the schedule.
“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. “
At the same time, Pierre Fillon, President of the ACO added: “An exceptional decision for an exceptional situation. In the context of what we are all going through now, the reprogramming of the 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. Furthermore, 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. “
And finally, Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission stated: “Despite the extreme circumstances, it is our priority to protect the FIA World Endurance Championship season and all parties involved, including teams, drivers, partners, manufacturers and fans.
“We did our utmost to guarantee that the current campaign will be comprised of eight rounds, ensuring equal terms for all competitors. Bearing in mind the economic implications of the crisis and their impact on the industry, delaying the start of the next season until 2021 is the right thing to do, giving competitors enough time to regroup ahead of the following campaign. “
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