Formula 1 reportedly has set a date for the start of the 2020 season. The championship hopes to organise its first race of the year on July 5, 2020, with the Austrian Grand Prix, already scheduled on this date.
Speaking at a media, F1 boss Chase Carey said the Red Bull Ring will become the first race of the season after the cancellation of the Grand Prix of France due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Even though it was announced this morning that the French Grand Prix, which was to be held in June, will not take place, we are more and more confident for a start to the season in the summer,” Carey said.
“We are planning a start to the season in Europe in July, August and early September, with a first race in Austria on the weekend of July 3 to 5.
“During the months of September, October and November, we will have races in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, to finish the season in the Gulf in December, with Bahrain followed by the traditional end of season in Abu Dhabi, after having disputed between 15 and 28 races. We will publish the final schedule as soon as possible.” Carey added.
Carey added different formats could be tested, with two races on the same weekend. Races in Europe should all take place behind closed doors.
“We expect the first races to be run without spectators but we hope they will participate in events later in the season,” Carey said.
“We have to work on issues like procedures for teams and partners to enter and work in each country. The health and safety of everyone involved will remain the number one priority and we will only launch the season if we have confidence in reliable procedures to deal with the risks and potential problems.” Carey added.
F1 is not only working on the new 2020 calendar. Cost reduction measures have been taken, the main one being the postponement of the new regulations to the 2022 season.
