It might happen

[Lorry]

 

[Rhino]

I think think priority has to go to people with camping inside the circuit. Looks at his Terte Rouge tickets 

[jimclark]

'Just called the ACO to check race status. Yes it's on, but, it seems it has been found, for some so far unknown reason, that THE virus is attracted to Terte Rouge and and those tix will not be honoured. Refunds are available. 








(Just kidding....)

[Rhino]

 

[ewan]

According to AutoSport, there's an announcement about spectator access coming on 30th June...

https://www.autosport.com/wec/news/150037/new-condensed-fourday-2020-le-mans-timetable
Practice will now begin at 10:00 on Thursday morning, the first of three sessions on the opening day.

The opening 45-minute qualifying session in which all 62 cars will take part has been brought forward to 17:15.

The 30-minute Hyperpole session fought out by the fastest six cars from each of the four WEC classes in first qualifying will now take place from 11:30 on Friday morning.

This will be preceded by a final one-hour session of free practice. The raceday warm-up on Saturday morning has been set back to reflect the fact that the cars will be on track on Friday.

Scrutineering (pictured below) will take place at the track on Wednesday rather than in the centre of Le Mans and the race will be begin at 14:30 on Saturday as previously announced.

More details on spectator access will be announced on 30 June.

[jimclark]

The raceday warm-up on Saturday morning has been set back to reflect the fact that the cars will be on track on Friday.

For some reason, I can't pull up Autosport, "set back" meaning.....
A change of time?....removed altogether?
If removed, no "leak check" for some team(s) that may have had an off and needed major repairs? Walking into the race blind with "book" setup? Ouch.

If so, this is incorrect? (from LeMans.org):

Timetable sessions
Thu 17 Sep - 10h00    Free Practice 1    3H
Thu 17 Sep - 14h00    Free Practice 2    3H
Thu 17 Sep - 17h15    Qualification    45min
Thu 17 Sep - 20h00    Free Practice 3    4H
Fri 18 Sep - 10h00    Free Practice 4    1H
Fri 18 Sep - 11h30    Hyperpole    30min
Sat 19 Sep - 10h30    Warm up    15min
Sat 19 Sep - 14h30    Race    24H

[Kristof]

For some reason, I can't pull up Autosport, "set back" meaning.....
A change of time?....removed altogether?
If removed, no "leak check" for some team(s) that may have had an off and needed major repairs? Walking into the race blind with "book" setup? Ouch.

If so, this is incorrect? (from LeMans.org):

Timetable sessions
Thu 17 Sep - 10h00    Free Practice 1    3H
Thu 17 Sep - 14h00    Free Practice 2    3H
Thu 17 Sep - 17h15    Qualification    45min
Thu 17 Sep - 20h00    Free Practice 3    4H
Fri 18 Sep - 10h00    Free Practice 4    1H
Fri 18 Sep - 11h30    Hyperpole    30min
Sat 19 Sep - 10h30    Warm up    15min
Sat 19 Sep - 14h30    Race    24H

This is the current "official" timetable



Add the support races and Thursday will be hell on earth if you're working for teams in the 24 hours and Road to Le Mans race.




To be honest, looking at this schedule it's made te be run behind closed doors or limited access for public.  I doubt the paddocks will be accessible, probably only (a part of) the village on the inside of the track.  No time slot for a pitwalk on Friday, no mention of the parade in town ... Great British Welcome at St Saturnin has also been cancelled.

[Werner]

Looks like a "go" for those who have already booked and paid campsite tickets:

https://www.lemans.org/en/news/watchwords-for-this-year-s-24-hours-of-le-mans-solidarity-and-responsibility/53979:
The 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on 19–20 September, with a smaller crowd than usual. Entry will be granted to all racegoers who have already booked their tickets (until June 29). Ticket sales have been suspended until further notice, pending government announcements and according to the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the current circumstances, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be using its global reach to emphasise the need for solidarity and responsibility, two watchwords that epitomise the values of endurance racing and the team spirit that has reigned over Le Mans since 1923.
Exceptional circumstances call for an exceptional event. Due to restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the race programme will be more streamlined and crowds thinner for this year’s event.
Ticket sales have been suspended in the hope that conditions improve, enabling current restrictions on large crowds to be lifted. Only ACO members* and anyone who already holds a ticket for the race will be admitted to the circuit as a spectator. ACO members, spectators and authorised resellers who have already booked and paid for grandstand tickets, camping areas, parking spaces or ACO member hospitality areas may purchase the corresponding tickets for the race. Please contact ACO customer services (serviceclients@lemans.org).

[Rhino]

At last some good news.

[ewan]

Hmmm, I think this is kicking the can down the road so:

a) they don't need to issue refunds (yet)
b) if and when the government says they can't hold more than x people in one place, the ACO will be able to blame them (and maybe they have insurance which will pay out?)

[lofty]

Only open to pre booked ticket holders up to June 29th.

[Lazy B'stard]

Hmmm, I think this is kicking the can down the road so:

a) they don't need to issue refunds (yet)
b) if and when the government says they can't hold more than x people in one place, the ACO will be able to blame them (and maybe they have insurance which will pay out?)

Bingo. Watch this space 

[Lorry]

The next French Government update is on 10th-14th July.

Latest rumours are that the ACO only expect about 30,000 spectators, which will be split into smaller bubbles.  Under 5,000 for each wouldn't be difficult, and if you split by region/country etc their case may stand up

[smokie]

I see the French Open (Tennis) is being held in the open. That must be a Good Sign.

https://www.rolandgarros.com/fr-fr/article/roland-garros-2020-billetterie-accueil-public-contexte-sanitaire-covid-19

[lofty]

Sunrise at 7.45 sunset 8.00. In September.  Handy to know for putting up tents gents.