The 24 Hours Motos behind closed doors
Given the current sanitary conditions, restricted travel between certain countries and French government instructions concerning events, the 43rd 24 Hours Motos will be held behind closed doors on 29–30 August.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM) and Eurosport Events, promoter of the FIM Endurance World Championship, have agreed to hold this year’s 24H Motos behind closed doors.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “An unprecedented situation means exceptional measures. The 43rd 24H Motos will take place behind closed doors, but it will go ahead. That’s the most important thing. Especially for our teams, partners, the FIM EWC and for motorcycle racing in general. It will be strange to hold a race with no fans trackside but we will do our very best to bring all the action and excitement to them, wherever they are.”
Jorge Viegas, President of the International Motorcycling Federation: “I would simply like to thank the ACO for allowing us to be able to live this legendary event, even behind closed doors. We salute the incredible effort provided by this great club and also by our promoter Eurosport Events which I am sure will produce even more spectacular images.”
Jacques Bolle, President of the French Motorcycle Federation: “It goes without saying that I prefer the 24H Motos with no spectators to no 24H Motos at all. This unprecedented health crisis is forcing us to adapt and to imagine the unimaginable! There will be no fans at the track but there will be plenty glued to their screens to follow the exploits of our World Championship bikers. In any case, with or without a crowd, I’m sure we’ll see a great race with the French teams out in front.”
François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events: “This was a tough decision for the ACO and we are backing it. An event behind closed doors is totally contrary to the sharing and sense of community that are the inherent values of motorcycle endurance racing, but ensuring the world championship’s continuity is the absolute priority in the current health situation to protect teams. As promoter and producer of footage, we at Eurosport Events will redouble our efforts to transport fans to the heart of the action at 24 Heures Motos with our TV programmes and digital content, giving special consideration to all those who were looking forward to getting together at Le Mans.”
