The Coronavirus, and its unforeseen impact, has come out of the blue and is something that we could not have prepared for. All we can do is give you the facts available and point you in the direction of further information to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not to travel.
So far, the following events on the FIA WEC & ACO calendars have been impacted by the virus:
In a question and answer session published on the Lemans.org news feed, ACO President, Pierre Fillon gave more insight about when a decision would be made about the Le Mans 24 Hours (read the full article) : A few days ago, you announced the postponement of the 24H Motos and published a list of cancelled events scheduled for March and April. The start of the European Le Mans Series has been put back too. Two rounds of the World Endurance Championship, Sebring and Spa, are also affected. What about the 24 Hours of Le Mans this June? We postponed the 24H Motos because the date was looming, and it was better to give teams and spectators ample warning. The race was scheduled for April – just a few weeks away – and we had very little doubt as to how the situation would evolve. We chose to give everyone plenty of notice. Following the government announcements, we cancelled or postponed other events scheduled for March and April. For the 24 Hours of Le Mans (13-14 June 2020), we are monitoring the situation and following instructions issued by the authorities. We shall announce our decision on 15 April. Whatever happens, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will go ahead this year. At this stage we need to wait until the 15th April to find out more about the 24 Hours and will keep updating our website as, and when, more information becomes available. For the Spa Classic and Le Mans Classic, we have asked the event organisers similar questions and are waiting to hear. We continue to work on the basis that they will go ahead as planned, whilst working on our contingency plans in case they are postponed to later on in the year. We are also monitoring travel advice updates from the UK Government Foreign Office and NaTHNaC plus regularly speaking with the ACO & Peter Auto about the events. If there is any significant update, we will let you know. If the situation changes and FCO issues a travel advisory advising against all but essential travel to a whole country or island or the event is cancelled by the event organisers, customers of ABTA Members who have booked package holidays to that destination for the period that the advice is in force will be entitled to receive suitable alternative arrangements, or where these aren’t available, a full refund of all monies paid to the tour operator. Customers may be able to recover the refund from their travel insurance, but if this is not the case, the tour operator must provide a refund. Unfortunately you won’t be entitled to any additional compensation, as the reason for the holiday not continuing is outside the control of 1st Tickets Limited. In the meantime, please do ensure that everyone in your group has adequate travel insurance and a valid European health insurance card (EHIC) as this will allow access to state-provided healthcare in EEA countries, at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free. The EHIC, however, is not an alternative to travel insurance. You can, of course, choose to cancel your trip at any time, however termination charges as per our Booking Conditions will apply. Detailed below are some frequently asked questions and useful links to Government, Health and ABTA information. If there is a significant change to the travel guidelines or an update about the events from the ACO and/or Peter Auto, we will keep you updated. Brian Sheehan |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a package? A package is defined by The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 if you booked your holiday before 1 July 2018, or by The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 if booked after 1 July 2018. A package must cover a period of at least 24 hours or involve overnight accommodation and is a combination of at least two different types of travel services, which are listed below:
What if I have only bought tickets to the event? If you have purchased only tickets (general entry, paddock, parking, grandstand or helicopter flights) from us or any combination of these without accommodation or transport, then your booking does not constitute a package as defined by the regulations. However, if we receive a refund for the tickets we have purchased on your behalf from the event organisers, we will then pass the refund onto you. You will also be offered the opportunity to transfer your booking to the 2021 event (or 2020 for Le Mans Classic ) at 2020 prices as an alternative to having a refund. For the other elements of your travel arrangements purchased elsewhere you will need to discuss these with the relevant service provider. What happens if… |
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Is there any compensation payable?
As the reason for the holiday not continuing is outside the control of the tour operator, Customers will not be entitled to any additional compensation. |
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Where can I find more information?
UK Government – Foreign Office NaTHNaC ABTA |