The 2021 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is set to be postponed to August 21-22, with 50,000 fans able to attend, MotorsportWeek.com has learned.
The French endurance classic was originally set to be held in its traditional early summer spot, with the date set for June 12-13.
However, with the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, the race will be postponed to later in the summer, with the later date paired with a goal to have up to 50,000 fans in attendance.
The hope is that by postponing the event to August, the event will be allowed to welcome fans back to the Circuit de la Sarthe once more vaccines against the coronavirus have been administered.
Last year, the twice-around-the-clock enduro was moved to September and held without fans for the first time in its history.
The date switch would create a date clash with the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship’s round at Virginia International Raceway, although it would also solve a date clash between Le Mans and IMSA’s event at Belle Isle, for which a standalone event was created to allow some IMSA and IndyCar teams with sportscar involvement to compete at Le Mans.
The switch will also ensure Le Mans does not clash with a Formula 1 grand prix.
An official announcement on the date change, along with other possible schedule changes for the FIA World Endurance Championship, is expected before the end of the week, with the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council due to meet virtually on Friday.
