FORMULA ONE bosses have postponed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to the coronavirus outbreak – with Canada next in line to be scrapped.
The race in Baku was scheduled for June 7th and marked the initial date that F1 chiefs had wanted to kick off the season.
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F1 bosses have postponed the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to the coronavirusCredit: Getty Images
But with no signs of a slowdown of the pandemic, race promoters in Baku had no option but to postpone the GP.
A statement read: “Baku City Circuit (BCC) has today taken the decision to postpone the FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2020 due to take place on June 5th – 7th.
“The postponement was agreed upon after extensive discussions with Formula 1 as well as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic.
“This comes as a direct result of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and has been based entirely on the expert guidance provided to us by the relevant authorities.
“In coming to this conclusion, BCC’s primary concern throughout has been the health and wellbeing of the Azerbaijani people as well as all visiting F1 fans, staff and championship participants.
“BCC shares its fans disappointment at not being able to experience the pinnacle of motorsport race through the streets of Baku this June.
“To that end, we will continue to work closely with Formula 1, the FIA and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic to monitor the situation with a view to announcing a new race date later in the 2020 season.”
It becomes the eighth race of the calendar to be postponed over the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Australian, Chinese, Vietnam, Dutch, Spain and Monaco races have all been postponed.
And the Canadian GP in Montreal, due on June 14th is likely to be next, leaving F1 chiefs with a real headache.
F1 CEO Chase Carey last week admitted he did not know when the sport would resume.
He said: “We recognise everyone wants to know what comes next for Formula 1 in 2020. We cannot provide specific answers today given the fluidity of the situation.
“However, we plan to get the 2020 championship season underway as soon as it’s safe to do so.
“We are engaging with experts and officials on a daily basis as we evaluate how we go forward in the next few months.”
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The boss of the British GP, Stuart Pringle, has said that the circuit would refund customers should the Silverstone race be cancelled.
He added: “I would like to reassure our fans that, should we be forced to cancel either Grand Prix, all customers who have purchased a ticket will be given the option of a full refund.
“We will, of course, continue to keep you updated as the situation in the UK evolves and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and patience in what is an extremely difficult time for everyone.”
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
