The FIA have announced that three upcoming Grand Prix’s have been cancelled – Singapore Grand Prix, Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Japanese Grand Prix will not be a part of the calendars expansion for 2020 as Formula 1 have agreed to cancel the events because of the on going COVID-19 pandemic.
This brings the list of cancelled events to Australia, Vietnam, China, The Netherlands, Monaco, Azerbaijan, Canada and France.
“The last few months have been extremely challenging on all fronts, and we have now made this difficult decision which Formula 1 and our stakeholders accept we have had to take,” said Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP).
Ultimately, the health and safety of our contractors and their workers, spectators, Formula 1 crew, staff and volunteer marshals is our number one priority and we thank everyone for their patience and unwavering support thus far.
“While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to host the race this year, we look forward to welcoming fans to the race next season and wish the Formula 1 community well as it starts its season in July,”
Ong Ling Lee, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board, added: “The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) supports the joint decision by race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd and Formula 1 to cancel the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2020, as this safeguards the health and wellbeing of participants, fans and all Singaporeans.
“Since 2008, the F1 race has generated benefits for both Singapore and the F1 franchise, with many local businesses actively involved in race preparations and operations. We take pride in our track record of hosting the first and only F1 night street race for the past 12 years, and we look forward to its return next year.”
In their statement on the cancellation the Baku City Circuit said this “The BCC has today regretfully taken the decision to cancel the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2020.
“This conclusion was reached as a direct result of the continuing uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus pandemic and comes after extensive discussions with the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic as well as Formula One World Championship Ltd and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
“The ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic means that the construction of our street circuit cannot be guaranteed to be carried out safely and on time. In addition, the various containment measures still being implemented by governments across the world – and the impact these are having on cross-border travel – further reduce the chances of realistically staging a race weekend in Baku later this year. This has, therefore, left us with no choice but to cancel the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2020.
“In coming to this conclusion, BCC’s primary concern throughout has been the health and well-being 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 in 2020.”
Finally Honda’s home race has fallen through, Suzuka is seemingly the gift that keeps on giving in the Formula 1 world with dull races in Japan far and few in recent years. The circuit is loved by fans globally and who can blame them? From the Casio triangle to Degner curve, 130R. The Japanese Grand Prix’s cancelling definitely leave the calendar with a large hole in it.
