2020 Grand Prix de France cancelled now F1 looking at 15-18 races between July and December
10TH Grand Prix OF THE SEASON TO BE POSTPONED AND/OR CANCELLED DUE TO HEALTH CRISIS.
Announced this morning, the French Grand Prix organisers had no choice but to cancel the event due to have taken place in late June.
The French government having banned all major events to at least mid-July left organisers with the only decision to be made. “Given the evolution of the situation linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the French Grand Prix takes note of the decisions announced by the French State making it impossible to maintain our event,” said Eric Boullier, Managing Director of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet. “The eyes of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet are already turning towards the summer of 2021 in order to offer our spectators an even more unprecedented event at the heart of the Région Sud.”
Chase Carey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1 added: ” We have been in close contact with the French promoter during this evolving situation and while it is disappointing for our fans and the F1 community that the French Grand Prix will not take place we fully support the decision taken by the French authorities in France and look forward to being back at Paul Ricard soon.”
Formula 1 is now looking at the first race to take place in Austria on July 3-5.
A statement from Chase Carey mentioned: “We’re targeting a start to racing in Europe through July, August and beginning of September, with the first race taking place in Austria on 3-5 July weekend. September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races.”
“We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule. We still have to work out many issues like the procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country.”
A finalized calendar will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Image: Formula 1