Pierre Fillon Heralds Significant Changes Ahead For ACO & Le Mans

After a hugely successful centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and with the popularity of the FIA WEC currently booming with competitors and fans, ACO President Pierre Fillon took time to sit down earlier this month with the regional newspaper L’Ouest France to discuss the future.

The interview contains several items of real interest including plans to revive the revamping plans for the main pits grandstand.

There is no specific mention of a revival of the expansion of the maximum grid to 65 cars but that was certainly part of the COVID-delayed programme. Work looks set to start in 2025 and be completed by the end of 2026.

At least in part, this programme features in a plan to expand spectator space at the circuit. That seems sensible with Fillon predicting that the 2024 24 Hours will again be sold out.

Tickets will be released with priority given to ACO members, then to La Sarthe inhabitants (this was not the case in 2023) and then to all the other spectators.

And there’s confirmation too of a significant change for the Le Mans Classic. DSC was aware of the likelihood of Patrick Peter retiring at the end of 2023, his Peter Auto concern runs the usually Biannual historic festival.

Mr Fillon now says that the ACO is working on taking over Le Mans Classic with the ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation), which amongst other things is the organiser of the Tour de France.