Formula 1 is poised to unveil a regional 2020 calendar with the aim of hosting 15-18 races between July and December.
On Monday, the French Grand Prix became the 10th event to be impacted by the coronavirus though was only the third to be cancelled outright until 2021.
That means upto 19 rounds of the original schedule could in theory still happen if new dates could be found, however, that is unlikely with plans in motion to hold multiple races at some venues.
Indeed, it is common knowledge now that F1 is hoping to start with two double-headers in Austria and Britain in July.
That will be followed by further races in Europe in August, possibly including Zandvoort and Barcelona, with the Italian GP currently set for September 6.
From there, the calendar would move East with likely stops in Baku and Sochi before the Asian stretch, which may see rescheduled GP’s in China and Vietnam into October.
The latter half of that month and November would see the American legs, with the possible inclusion of the Canadian GP in Montreal if the climate allows.
Finally, F1 would head to the Middle East for the Bahrain and Abu Dhabi GP’s in December.
A final proposed calendar expected soon.
“We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule,” F1 CEO Chase Carey continued in a statement.
“We still have to work out many issues like the procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country.
“The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority one and we will only go forward if we are confident we have reliable procedures to address both risks and possible issues.
“The FIA, teams, promoters, and other key partners have been working with us throughout these steps and we want to thank them for all their support and efforts during this incredibly challenging time.
“We also want to recognise the fact that the teams have been supporting us at the same time that they have been focusing enormous and heroic efforts to build ventilators to help those infected by COVID-19.
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“While we have been moving forward with our 2020 plans, we have also been working hard with the FIA and the teams to strengthen the long term future of Formula 1 through an array of new technical, sporting, and financial regulations that will improve the competition and action on the track and make it a healthier business for all involved, particularly as we engage the issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Carey added.
“All of our plans are obviously subject to change as we still have many issues to address and all of us are subject to the unknowns of the virus.
“We all want the world to return to the one we know and cherish, yet we recognise it must be done in the right and safest way.
“We look forward to doing our part by enabling our fans to once again safely share the excitement of Formula 1 with family, friends, and the broader community.”
So be patient F1 fans, the longest wait between races in the sport’s 70-year history may be over in just 10 weeks time.
