Formula 1 has announced the cancellation of French Grand Prix.
French GP was scheduled at Paul Ricard on June 28, 2020 which was recently cancelled because of Covid-19 situation.
French authorities have announced extension in their national medical emergency situation against pandemic. The lock-down to cater COVID-19 spread is extended for another month.
Emmanuel Macron, French president, recently announced extension in ban on public gatherings til “mid-July”. This reduces the chances of French GP on 28 June.
The new decisions would extend the gap and pushed the season start to July.
Formula 1 authorities announced the cancellation of 10 race this season so far. They announced that French GP “would not go ahead in 2020”.
Eric Boullier, who is managing director at French G.P said: “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.
“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.”
Chase Carey, Formula 1 boss, added in announcement: “We have been in close contact with the French promoter during this evolving situation and while it is disappointing for our fans and the F1 community that the French Grand Prix will not take place we fully support the decision taken by the French authorities in France and look forward to being back at Paul Ricard soon.”
Formula 1 – Austria
With French GP cancellation, Austrian Grand Prix is the next race on July 5, 2020. The decision for Red Bull Ring would be taken later.
However, Austrian Government is acting differently as compared to French Govt. It has announced to ease the restrictive measures while keeping social distancing rule intact.
Austrian GP management is working to start the season at their ground. They are working to go with race behind closed doors.
Officials believe in the possibility of it happening, if the teams are kept out of touch from the local community establishing safety for the crew and community.
British Grand Prix would follow next on July 19. The authorities of Silverstone announced that fans won’t be allowed to attend the race if it happens.
