Coronavirus: Formula One cancels Singapore, Japan and Azerbaijan races
- Singapore GP organisers said ‘prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue’ had forced the cancellation of the night race
- Formula One had already cancelled four other races, including the showcase Monaco Grand Prix in May
Formula One had already cancelled four other races, including the showcase Monaco Grand Prix in May, and published a revised and shortened provisional schedule due to start in Austria on July 5.
The long lead times required to construct the Singapore and Azerbaijan street circuits made hosting those events impossible, it added.
Singapore Grand Prix organisers said “prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue” had forced the cancellation of the spectacular night race.
“Apart from the closure of the event venue, other challenges include ongoing mass gathering and worldwide travel restrictions,” they added.
“In Japan, ongoing travel restrictions also led to the decision not to proceed with the race,” said Formula One.
“We have made significant progress with existing and new promoters on the revised calendar and have been particularly encouraged by the interest that has been shown by new venues in hosting a Formula One race during the 2020 season,” the F1 statement said.
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A second race in Italy has been mooted for Ferrari-owned Mugello or Imola, once home of the San Marino Grand Prix, while Germany’s Hockenheim and Portugal’s Algarve circuit in Portimao are other possibilities.
Sochi in Russia could host two races.
“We are confident in our plans to have between 15-18 races by the time our season concludes in Abu Dhabi in mid-December and expect to publish the finalised calendar before we start our season in Austria,” said Formula One.