THE Canadian GP has become the NINTH F1 race to be postponed or scrapped this season – leaving F1’s plans to stage a 18-race season in tatters.
SunSport reported on Monday that race bosses in Montreal would announce this week that they would postpone the race due to the coronavirus.
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The Canadian GP has become the ninth race to be called off due to coronavirus
Two concerts in the city had already been pulled.
And now promoters have decided to delay the Canadian GP, which was due to be held on June 14, due to the pandemic.
Francois Dumontier, president and CEO of the Canadian Grand Prix, said: “We would have been honoured to host the first race on the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship calendar.
“But we are saddened to have to announce the postponement of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix 2020 scheduled for June 12-13-14 2020.
“This postponement was not a decision that was taken lightly or easily.
“Over the past month, we have been in constant communication with Formula 1 and representatives from the city of Montreal, Tourism Montreal and both provincial and federal governments.
“We have heard the directives issued by public health officials and as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic are following the expert guidance provided by the authorities.”
NEXT UP, FRANCE?
Dumontier continued: “Our thoughts and most sincere thanks go to the men and women working tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe and fed during these uncertain times.
“I am proud to see how such wonderful initiatives and technical advancements stemming from Formula 1 are being applied in a time of crisis.
“At the moment it is crucial that all of our energies be put together to overcome COVID-19.
“We will welcome you with open arms at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve as soon as it is safe to do so.”
It means the French GP on June 28 is the next race in line and leaves F1 bosses looking at running a severely limited season – if any at all.
The news comes as F1’s owners, Liberty Media, placed half of their 500 staff on furlough while senior staff will take a 20 percent wage cut.
SunSport can reveal that F1’s CEO, Chase Carey, who announced last month that he wanted “a revised calendar of between 15-18 races”, will take a much deeper wage cut.
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And while F1 staff are said to be understanding of the situation as the reality of no races begins to bite.
F1 teams are also facing an uncertain future as Williams and McLaren have furloughed some staff.
On Tuesday, teams agreed to keep their factories closed for an extra 14 days to help their respective countries control the spread of the Covid-19 disease.
F1 drivers take on top gamers in virtual Australian Grand Prix watched by millions after race axe
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
