No competition between Le Mans and the French GP

The organizers of the two biggest French motorsport events have taken care not to come into conflict over the dates, but the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 16-17) will nevertheless be contested only one week before the French GP back on the Paul-Ricard circuit in Le Castellet (Var).

If the two events could compete, particularly at the level of spectators, some of whom may have favored one event to the detriment of the other, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest welcomed such a dense period in competition on French territory.

“Some might consider that two events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the French GP of F1, contested one week apart, are competitive, comments Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO. I prefer to talk about a double opportunity to show and demonstrate the values ​​of motorsport, with two of its major disciplines. This is an opportunity for us, organizers, to defend our commitments and our convictions at a time when the automobile industry is constantly evolving and diversifying. This motorsport festival in France will delight many fans and will make our projects resonate internationally. »

The return of F1 to France is not trivial since France has not hosted F1 for a decade.

“The French GP is also the flag bearer of our country, of our culture, adds Christian Estrosi, president of the GIP in the ACO press release. Like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, created in 1923, we are the guarantors of an automotive heritage but also the actors responsible for its present and future. All energies to promote motorsport and automobiles are welcome. »

Fernando Alonso will be the only driver to have the privilege of competing in both events.

Discover the AUTO 24 Hours of Le Mans Guidehebdo always available in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.