Slightly reduced 2020 program for the ELMS

The 2020 European season Le Mans Series should have started on April 5 in Barcelona, ​​before passing through Monza on May 10. But the Coronavirus crisis obviously led to the postponement of these two events, and forced the organizers to review their plans.

If the health crisis does not drag on and all this happens – from now on – as planned, the essentials are preserved. The main lesson learned from the press release released this afternoon is the transition from six to five rounds, in accordance with what we announced to you (see Ah n°2260 and here).

See also:

• The WEC formalizes the new version of its 2019-2020 calendar
• New starting time for the 24 2020 Hours of Le Mans
• The WEC returns to a classic season system from 2021

It is Silverstone which bears the cost of this decision, which is hardly surprising, theELMS unable to afford to go to the English route on the WEC, for cost reasons. However, the WEC will not go to British soil this year, as we are announcing to you here.

« This new version of the calendar gives us a season of four months instead of seven, explains the general director of the ELMS Gérard Neveu. In this difficult economic and health context, we have chosen to organize five races instead of six for the comfort of our competitors.

It is obvious that this calendar is likely to be modified again, depending on the modalities of recovery from the crisis and our ability to be able to organize races in the countries that we plan to visit on the dates above. As everyone knows, we will always prioritize the health of our competitors, our paddock and our fans. We also take advantage of this press release to wish everyone to take care of themselves and their loved ones. »

Today, LMEM and the ACO are counting on a resumption of competition in July with the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, on the initial date, before passing through Belgium, at Spa Francorchamps, a week before the WEC. Note that closed sessions cannot be ruled out, but everyone obviously hopes not to resort to them.

The rest will see the 40 competitors (18 LM P2, 13 LM P3 and 9 GTE) expected to set down their bags in Barcelona and Monza before a final which will be held in Portimão (Portugal) on November 1st.

« In the delicate context that we are all currently going through, the rescheduling of the calendar required certain adjustments in consultation, always, with our various partners, competitors, host circuits, adds Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO. The priority is to ensure the smooth running of our championships by limiting, as far as possible, the effects of this crisis for everyone. »

2020 ELMS Calendar

– July 13-14: Official tests – Paul Ricard
– July 19: 4 Hours of Le Castellet (France)
– August 9: 4 Hours of Spa (Belgium)
– August 29: 4 Hours of Barcelona (Spain)
– October 11: 4 Hours of Monza (Italy)
– November 1: 4 Hours of Portimão (Portugal)