Why running Le Mans without the fanfare was crucial

This year's Le Mans 24 Hours was always going to standout in the history books as the one without the fans and the festival atmosphere, but running it in the first place was vital for both the present and the future

Published Sep 22, 2020, 3:44 PM

It turned out to be a race to endure rather than enjoy, though I didn't head out to the Le Mans 24 Hours last week with that mentality. I was actually relishing the prospect of another close battle between two Toyotas unencumbered by the success handicaps that have made a mockery of this season's World Endurance Championship, and perhaps a challenge from Rebellion Racing.

A cracking race at the sharp end of the field would have lifted the mood of the endurance racing community in these difficult times. We didn't get it and had to make do with some decent action in and among the classes.

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Author Gary Watkins

Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 33rd as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 80 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.

Gary, who also writes for Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton close to the former workshops of the Cooper Formula 1 team but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.