LeMans to avoid conflict with F1

Next year, the Le Mans 24 Hours will be held a week later than in 2011 after an assessment of various factors, including the sporting and political calendars.

After a 2-year break, the test day was reintroduced in 2011. In 2012, it will take place on Sunday 3rd June two weeks before the race instead of in April, which usually precluded F1 drivers from participating. This will enable the teams to set up home inside the circuit, and they will not have to dismantle their hospitality units etc before the blue riband event in the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Vincent Beaumesnil, Automobile Club de L’Ouest Sports Manager: “In 2011, the test day was held on 24th April due to the introduction of the new regulations, which meant that manufacturers had to build new cars for the LM P1 and LM P2 categories. It was essential to allow them to test their cars on the 24-Hours circuit well before the race itself. This time, in agreement with the entrants, it has been decided to organize the test day again because of its technical and sporting utility, but shortly before the event to minimize its budgetary impact on the teams and organizers."