It was announced earlier this week that the 89th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours has been postponed until August. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) made the move to provide spectators with the best possible chance to see the new Hypercars take on the classic event. After plans to have spectators at last year’s event fell through last minute due to local government guidelines, the event ran behind closed doors in September.
“Although it was a tough decision to make, it is the right one. Holding the 24 Hours of Le Mans behind closed doors for the second-year running would be unthinkable.” said Pierre Fillon, the President of the ACO. “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.”
Spa-Fancorchamps is now set to open 2021 season with Portimão moved to June, in place of Le Mans. The third revision to this year’s calendar was approved by the FIA Motor Sport Council earlier in the week as a result of the “uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including travel restrictions”. Along with the race, the Official Prologue will be held at the Belgian circuit.
The 6 Hours of Spa remains on its 1st May date followed by Portimão which has moved to the 13th of June, in place of Le Mans. Monza, Fuji and Bahrain all retain their original dates with Le Mans moved to 21st-22nd August.
