The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has announced that a number of facilities at the Le Mans circuit will be reopened on June 1st.
The entire circuit was closed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ACO has now confirmed that the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, Karting circuit, driver training centre, motorcycle training centre and Porsche Experience Center will be reopened with renewed health and safety guidelines. In addition, the track will once again also be available for public track days.
“From 1 June, our customers will be able to visit the museum that retraces the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and of motoring, browse our ever-changing range of 24 Hours merchandise, enjoy an afternoon at the karting track, experience driving a Porsche or a prototype or learn how to better handle their own car or bike,” the ACO wrote in a statement.
“All necessary steps have been taken to follow government guidelines and procedures will be clearly explained at reception desks.”
‘Health and safety remain our overriding priority and we go above and beyond requirements in these areas.
In the current sanitary situation, our number one criterion for reopening was ensuring the safety of our staff and visitors.”
The museum, which currently features an exhibition about the Le Mans 66 movie, will have allow a limited number of visitors at any time. Visitors are required to wear a mask and the museum will feature floor markings to aid physical distancing in queueing zones. It will also have a separate entrance and exit.
At the karting circuit, a mask is mandatory even while wearing a helmet, while race suits, helmets and steering wheels will be disinfected after use, while a single use balaclava and nitrile gloves will be provided.
Many of these measures also apply to the driver training centre, where safety gear will also be disinfected after use, as well as the cars. The briefing room will be set up to accommodate social distancing, and drivers are requested to bring their own suit, helmet and gloves if they have them.
Scheduled dates for the major events at the circuit remain unchanged, with the 24H Motos scheduled for 29-30 August, the 24 Hours of Le Mans for 19-20 September and the 24H Camions for 3-4 October.
