The good news has finally come: after much uncertainty and hesitation, it has been decided that the 2020 French Grand Prix would take place on October 11 on the Bugatti Circuit. It is a great relief for competitors, organizers and potential spectators if they are allowed inside the circuit.
Claude Michy has already experienced various and varied difficulties in his organizations, ranging from bad weather to prefectural ill will, including the random behavior of certain spectators. But it would take more to stop the superb organizing machine that he has put in place for decades.
The hardest part is over: the decision has now been made, the authorization obtained, and the champions will be present in Sarthe this fall.
Is the authorization to organize the French Grand Prix on October 11 at Le Mans a great relief for you?
“First of all, it is an international calendar which has been redone and modified. We have had numerous discussions with Carmelo Ezpeleta, the boss of Dorna, as well as with theWestern Automobile Club for circuit availability. Following these interviews a date was found. »
“The idea is to work to ensure that motorsport continues. The objective is there for everyone, and it is above all a vision of the future. »
“Today we are waiting for the new information that will come from the government since the Prime Minister must speak on June 22 about “Phase 3” and the President of the Republic must address the country on June 14. So we will have a little more visibility. We are moving forward step by step. Depending on new decisions and the evolution of the health situation, we will have more information at the end of June. »
“I have a meeting with the prefect of Sarthe to see if there are any possibilities to welcome the public, which is of course what we want. We will also see under what conditions, that is to say without excessive constraint. People must be able to experience the event in a festive, friendly way and meet each other. »
“We will be “legitimistic” and we will respect the rules, which is normal. So everyone needs a little patience. In particular to the spectators because there were 40 tickets sold, and we are doing everything so that they can, if they wish, keep their place for next year, or come in October – depending on the situation – or be reimbursed. Everything was put in place for that. »
On a practical level, who will decide if the event is open to spectators, and when?
“The prefect. Today, the events are open to spectators, with a maximum limit of 5 people present on the site. This is valid now, as we speak. But these things will evolve, since already for the French Football Cup which is at the beginning of August, they will increase. Whether it will be at the Stade de France, with for example a capacity of 000% of the stadium, we do not yet know. »
“There are events that will take place before our Grand Prix, such as the Tour de France cycle race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans car race, and many other events before us. So everyone navigates step by step according to developments. The world we live in now is a little different, and we have to adapt to it. »
There will be two MotoE races, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, which will be the finals of this World Cup. Is this a plus for the Grand Prix of France ?
“It might actually be something interesting. We haven't been able to get them until now. So that's a good thing. »
If there are no spectators present on the circuit, Sarthe businesses will lose a lot (hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, gas stations, dealers).
“Stop! Stop, I'll stop you right now! You need to forget all your negative thoughts. There are many people these days who have anxious and negative thoughts. Try thinking backwards. Thinking backwards is having hope and thinking that things will get better. »
“Because if everyone thinks negatively, nothing will happen. By training people, there comes a time when everyone is caught in the gears of the machine. So I say stop. We must remember that every coin has two sides, and we must look at the right side of the coin. »
“There were 30 deaths, which was negative, but that was before. Things are improving and everyone needs to rethink their way of thinking. ".
PSP/ Lukasz Swiderek www.photoPSP.com
Photos © PSP Stan Perec, Lukasz Swiderek and motogp.com / Dorna
