The worldwide development of the Covid-19 pandemic means we cannot envisage the 1st Arena 45 Grand Prix going ahead in good conditions as planned this year. Faced with uncertainty surrounding the possibility of organising an international competition this year, Didier André and his partners have wisely chosen to postpone their event until 2021.
"It was no longer reasonable to continue preparing for the Arena 45 Grand Prix this summer," said Didier André. "The authorities in most countries are feeling their way in these exceptional circumstances and their horizon is no more than a few weeks, which they cannot be blamed for. We have to come to terms with the fact that the 2020 sporting season is in serious jeopardy. I have thought long and hard about this perspective with each partner in our competition. We all want to make a success of a quality event in a sporting and celebratory atmosphere. Obviously, this will not happen by August. We have therefore decided to postpone the Arena 45 Grand Prix to next year so that its launch can take place in complete calm and without any risk for participants and spectators alike."
The dynamism and involvement of all the participants in this major international event means that a postponement to the summer of 2021 can be supported without major consequences. Of course, it is still too early to announce the dates of this highly anticipated competition for next year. They will nevertheless be communicated as soon as possible at the end of this season.
The concept of the Arena 45 Grand Prix remains unchanged. It will continue to be a prestigious international race open to all and held in Valence, on the La Roche de Glun circuit. Open to the X30 Senior and X30 Junior categories, it will allow all those who wish to do so to challenge the world's best drivers. In addition to the top-level sporting confrontation, an exceptional prize money will reward the top drivers. A Lotus Elise from the TLA Lotus company of Saint-Etienne will be offered to the winner X30 Senior, while the winner of X30 Junior will travel to New York for four days with four people, flight and accommodation included. Other prizes will be raffled.
"Like everyone else, we can't wait to get back to business," continues Didier André. "We are concentrating primarily on organising the sporting restart, taking the maximum precautions for the benefit of everyone. It's going to take a lot of work to get the machine up and running again so that as many drivers as possible are able to experience their passion. It is a challenge we will take up with the competitive spirit that drives us. At the same time, we are going to make the Grand Prix Arena 45 even more attractive. We look forward to seeing you in 2021 for a great karting festival in Valencia."