The Belgian goverment decision to suspend all major events until at least August 31 could have a further impact on the FIA World Endurance Championship’s revised Season 8 calendar, with the 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps at risk of further postponement or cancellation.
Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès confirmed during a press conference on Wednesday that no mass events, including festivals and other major gatherings, will be allowed to take place until at least August 31 while extending the country’s general lockdown until May 3.
This decision directly puts the Belgian WEC round in jeopardy, as it had been located to a mid-August slot as part of a revised calendar for the 2019/20 season.
A decision on the fate of the dress rehearsal before the 24 Hours of Le Mans is yet to be made, but the other major endurance event to be held at Spa before the new August shutdown date has already been postponed. The 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the blue riband round of the GT World Challenge, has been postponed to an as of yet unknown date.
“SRO Belgium fully respects the decision announced today by the Belgian government to prohibit large gatherings in the country until 31 August due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the organizers wrote in a statement.
“While the 2020 Total 24 Hours of Spa was originally scheduled to take place on 23-26 July, the race will now move to a revised date later in the year in compliance with these guidelines.
With so much hard work and passion already invested in the event’s long-term preparation, it is naturally disappointing that it can not be staged on its traditional date. However, the safety of our fans and competitors is of the highest importance.
What’s more, a new date is being finalised with the circuit and will be announced as soon as possible. The same level of dedication will now be focussed on creating a world-class spectacle in autumn 2020.”
