June’s French Grand Prix has been cancelled until 2021 as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it was confirmed on Monday.
The event at Paul Ricard is the 10th race to have been impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak, with the decision to fully cancel based on two factors, government policy and the push towards closed-door F1 GP’s in Europe.
“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 French GP managing director Eric Boullier.
“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 original event in the heart of the Southern Region.”
One hopeful sign, for F1 at least, is Paul Ricard looks set to be the last race to be called off providing measures to hold closed-door races can be found.
Already Austria has voiced its support to host two rounds with the first on July 5, and now the British GP has confirmed that should its race go ahead, it too will have no fans in attendance.
“We are extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone,” circuit boss Stuart Pringle said in a statement.
“We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the Government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.
“Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and Race Makers, and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.”
Like Austria, Britain is also expected to host multiple races as F1 looks to hold four rounds in July alone at the two venues.
“We have consistently said that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year,” Pringle added.
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“Following this weekend’s news from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors.
“Should this be possible, it will be of some small comfort for you to know that the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix will be available to watch live on Sky and Channel 4.”
Fans who had purchased tickets have been told they will have the choice of transferring their ticket to the 2021 race or be offered a full refund.
Silverstone also confirmed thousands of free tickets will be given to NHS and other key workers for next year’s event in gratitude for their service during the pandemic.