New 24H Le Mans Ticket Sales Suspended to Limit Crowd Size

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has confirmed that spectators are currently allowed to attend this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans but new ticket sales have been suspended.

Only ticket holders purchasing before June 29 and ACO members are to be permitted access to watch the FIA World Endurance Championship headline round on September 19-20.

Crowd numbers will be limited as the ACO monitors the direction of COVID-19 restrictions in France. At present, indoor sporting events are to resume on July 11 but no more than 5,000 people will be able to attend.

People who have booked tickets, campsite pitches and grandstand access will soon receive details of procedures at the track, although it’s not known how many tickets have already been sold.

Typically Le Mans attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from across the world and mainly Europe, while 252,500 fans descended on the Circuit de la Sarthe last year.

The new limit on crowd numbers comes after a new timetable was confirmed for the 24 Hours and its support races, with the track action condensed into four days.

“At the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, solidarity and responsibility will be more than mere words,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon.

“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.”