Despite hopes of starting the 2020 Formula 1 season in Baku, there are mixed messages from some races set to take place or be rescheduled.
So far the first seven Grands Prix have either been cancelled or postponed, including the Monaco GP, which won’t be part of the F1 calendar for the first time since 1954.
The Dutch GP was also set to take place on May 3 but is thought to be a high priority race for a new date most likely in August, though organiser Jan Lammers admits nothing is certain at this point.
“We’ve accepted the fact that it might be one of the consequences,” he told Motorsport on the possibility of a full cancellation.
“There are countries where the virus hasn’t even entered. Where are we on the graph of the peak?
“In China, it’s getting back in control, but in which stage are we at the moment? It’s something that we’d like to think we’re in control of, but we’re not, it’s the virus that has us all in its grip.
“We would be over the moon if by July we can say the country and the world is free of the virus, but how realistic is that?” Lammers added.
“Right now we just have to be ready for all kinds of scenarios, and even as a fan you’d be better off wondering if postponing it for a year wouldn’t be better. All scenarios are possible.
“If August would be something that you focus on then it could well be a matter of time before you have to cancel that one.
“It’s all taking place in the world that we all live in. You look around and say how realistic is it? You tell me.”
Meanwhile, the British GP venue at Silverstone has also issued a statement acknowledging both the F1 and MotoGP events scheduled to take place could be under threat.
“This week, it has been announced by the sports’ governing bodies that all motorsport has been suspended in the UK to the end of April 2020 to support the British Government in its efforts to contain the spread of this virus,” said circuit managing director Stuart Pringle.
“Many of you have booked tickets for our events later this summer including the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix and MotoGP and I fully appreciate you want to understand if these events will take place.
“However, I can wholeheartedly promise you that everyone at Silverstone, Formula 1 and MotoGP are doing all they possibly can to ensure we can run these events on their planned dates in July (F1) and August (MotoGP).
“In fact, as Formula 1’s CEO Chase Carey has stated, Formula 1 and the FIA do not expect to begin the Championship in Europe until after May although this is regularly being reviewed.
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“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.”
As for the final flyaways, Singapore, which has been praised for their handling of the Covid-19 outbreak, have also signalled the night race in September should go ahead as planned.
“With just over six months to the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2020, there are currently no plans to cancel or postpone the event,” organisers wrote in an Instagram post.
“Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP) is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and preparations are proceeding as planned but as the situation is dynamic, SGP will react as required and update the public on any developments as soon as possible.
“As with any major decisions regarding the race, SGP would work with the Government, stakeholders and Formula One before making any collective decision.”
Finally, in Austin, the Circuit of the Americas has been closed indefinitely due to the outbreak, leading to the postponement of the MotoGP and IndyCar races.
However, CEO Bobby Epstein is still confident the October F1 race won’t be impacted.
“In the next 90 days alone, events representing nearly 600,000 ticketed visitors have been postponed, cancelled, or are in jeopardy,” Epstein said.
“The actions taken today have no impact on COTA’s ability to host the Grand Prix.”