The 2020 Canadian Grand Prix has been postponed until July 2, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Montreal event has therefore suffered the same fate as all the other races since the start of the season.
This decision came almost at the same time that the City of Montreal announced that all cultural and sporting events on its territory were canceled until July 2, in order to limit the occasions for gatherings.
“There were already restrictive measures, such as the closing of the borders until June 30. The date we had given ourselves to make a decision coincided with the start of the assembly of the circuit. Before getting any costs, going up the circuit, we had to be sure that we were going to present the race.” Francois Dumontier, the President and Canada Grand Prix CEO said.
“One factor that may have helped makes our decision faster is the Prime Minister’s decision this weekend to extend the closure of non-core businesses until May 4. We, the vast majority of the companies we work with are non-essential. It would jeopardize the presentation of the Grand Prix if it took place on June 14. There is an additional layer which was added with the decision of the City of Montreal.” Dumontier added.
According to reports, F1 is currently working with promoters to develop an overhauled schedule that would include between 15 and 18 races this season.
“The two watchwords are flexibility and that you have to be accommodating. The calendar will be turned upside down. We are used to launching summer in Montreal in June. We have presented it in June since 1982. There, we will have to make concessions, be flexible. Maybe we will have to present it in the fall, it will be cooler.” Dumontier said.
On the other hand, the organizer has informed ticketholders that they remain valid and that they will be informed of the options available to them as soon as the new date for the presentation of the event is known.
