The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has officially postponed the 89th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans to August 21-22.
As reported by MotorsportWeek.com on Wednesday, the ACO has opted to move the race from its original June 12-13 slot in order to allow fans to attend the race.
The hope is that by delaying the event by two months, vaccines against the coronavirus can be administered in great enough numbers that fans can be allowed back to the Circuit de la Sarthe.
The ACO says in a statement that it ‘remains extremely keen’ to have fans attend the first Le Mans under new Hypercar regulations.
It goes on to say that it ‘has made this decision early in the season to give competitors, partners and spectators as much visibility as possible and to maintain the current FIA WEC calendar.’
The calendar for the European Le Mans Series has already been altered, as the 4 Hours of Le Castellet has been moved to June 5-6.
Information on tickets and full details on the race format will be released at the end of April, while the entry list will be released on March 9.
“Although it was a tough decision to make, it is the right one,” says Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. “Holding the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind closed doors for the second year running would be unthinkable.
“We are therefore doing all we can to avoid that happening and to give competitors a clear view of the whole season. We are working very hard to put on a safe event, with all the necessary health precautions in place.
“This year’s race promises to be another thriller as the new Hypercar class makes its debut.”
