The ACO details the organization of spectator reception in “villages”

A few days ago, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, organizer of 24 Hours of Le Mans, announced without much surprise the limitation on the number of spectators for the 2020 edition of the Sarthois double clock tower, postponed to the weekend of September 19 and 20 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A necessary measure to limit the spread of the virus, while maintaining the presence of the public at one of the key events of the year in motorsport. However, it remained to be seen in what form the reception of people who were able to purchase a ticket would be carried out.

This Thursday, the Sarthe developer unveiled an organization in the form of “villages” that can each accommodate 5 people, i.e. the limitation put in place for any public gathering by the French government. A health bubble model which will include obligations for spectators.

“Each “village” will be strictly independent from the other villages in order to limit the flow of spectators and will be identified by a specific color (Red Village for example), explains the ACO. Furthermore, each village will benefit primarily from a view of the track and a giant screen, but also from specific activities, restaurants, dedicated parking and, for some, reception areas or stands.

The objective is to allow spectators present on site to experience the race in a new way and as best as possible given the circumstances.

A rigorous Health Safety Protocol will be put in place on this occasion, including in particular the compulsory wearing of a mask for anyone over 11 years old. The prior cleaning of shared infrastructure areas including toilets and stands and the disinfection of these same areas will be intensified for the duration of the event.

Dispensers of hydroalcoholic gel will be installed within the circuit and barrier gestures reminded by on-site signage. Please note that a specific protocol will be applied to competitors as well as those around them. »

The ACO has also confirmed that the traditional weigh-in will take place behind closed doors this year on September 16. “Due to health constraints and the specific calendar of the event in 2020, spectators will be welcomed on site from Thursday September 17 from 8 a.m. while the Reception Areas will be open to public from Wednesday September 16 at 14 p.m. »