The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has announced that ticket sales for the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be suspended, with only ACO members and current ticket holders currently allowed to attend the event.
The 88th edition of the French endurance classic was previously postponed to September 19-20. The ACO confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that it would be suspending ticket sales ‘in the hope that conditions improve, enabling current restrictions on large crowds to be lifted.’
Under the current French guidelines, public gatherings will be allowed again starting on July 11, but with no more than 5000 people allowed in attendance. Last year’s edition of Le Mans attracted 252,500 spectators.
Only ACO members and anyone that has previously obtained tickets for the race before sales were suspended will be allowed to attend the event under current restrictions.
“At the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, solidarity and responsibility will be more than mere words,” said Pierre Fillon, ACO president. “The principles form the foundation of an event that will celebrate togetherness and fraternity. We will be paying tribute to the heroes of the crisis and saluting the commitment of the members of our club, volunteers, teams, partners, institutions, media and fans – without whom this race could not take place and who have already made it a memorable occasion.
‘We have always been at the forefront of technological innovation to improve safety and sustainable mobility. Responsibility is one of our founding principles. We are therefore sure that our loyal spectators will understand our position and support our decision.
“We will not be breaking any attendance records this year. However, all the magic of the race will remain intact and the spectator experience – trackside or from a distance – will remain world-class.”
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