Given the current health context, travel restriction measures between certain countries and gatherings in force in France, the 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos, scheduled for August 29 and 30, will be held behind closed doors. Indeed, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, in agreement with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the Fédération Française de Motocyclisme (FFM) and Eurosport Events, promoter of the FIM EWC World Championship, has taken the decision to organize the 43rd edition of the 24 Heures Motos without an audience.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest commented: “ Exceptional conditions require exceptional decisions from us: the 24 2020 Heures Motos will certainly be held behind closed doors, but they will indeed take place. This has been our priority from the start. For our teams, our partners, for the FIM EWC Endurance World Championship, for motorcycles, this is imperative. These 24 Hours Motorcycles will be special without our public, but rest assured that we will do everything we can to share with them, wherever they are, our passion and our race."
Jorge Viegas, President of the International Motorcycling Federation added: “ I would simply like to thank the ACO for allowing us to experience this legendary event, even behind closed doors. We salute the incredible effort made by this great club and also by our promoter Eurosport Events who will undoubtedly produce even more spectacular images."
“I prefer the 24 Hours Motorcycles without spectators than no 24 Hours at all”
Jacques Bolle, President of the French Motorcycling Federation concludes: “ of course, I prefer the 24 Hours Motorcycles without spectators than no 24 Hours at all. This totally exceptional health crisis is leading us to adapt and imagine the unimaginable! Spectators will be absent but viewers will be present in large numbers to follow the exploits of our World Championship drivers. In any case, I am certain that we will be treated to a very good race and that the French crews will be at the forefront.ʺ
Francois Ribeiro, Director of Eurosport Events also had his say: “ We support this difficult decision by the ACO. Behind closed doors is the antithesis of the values of sharing and proximity of motorcycle endurance, but ensuring the continuity of the world championship is the absolute priority in the current health context to protect the teams. As a promoter and image producer, Eurosport Events will redouble its efforts to bring fans to the heart of the 24 Heures Motos through our TV programs and digital content, especially with those who wanted to gather at Le Mans in mind."
