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Chinese GP in frame for two F1 rounds to fill 2020 flyaway leg

  • Darshan Chokhani
    • Chinese GP, F1

    (EDITORS NOTE: Image was created using a variable planed lens.) Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 14, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // AP-1Z1EGRK1N1W11 // Usage for editorial use only //

    The Shanghai Sports Bureau Director Xu Bin has indicated that F1 is looking to host two Chinese GP rounds to fill the 2020 flyaway leg.

    Amid talks of extending the European leg with races at either Portimao, Mugello, Imola and Hockenheim, Shanghai Sports Bureau Director, Bin, has opened up a possibility of F1 staging two Chinese GP rounds to fill up the 2020 flyaway calendar.

    Even though Europe seems like a safe venue for now without fans, flyaway races remains a high-income generator for F1 and that’s why races like USA, Brazil Mexico, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Russia, Vietnam and even China remains in the loop for the 2020 season.

    While the possibility factor is unknown, especially after the cancellation of Singapore and Japan, but F1 is keeping its options open at the moment. Among all the flyaway options remaining, the Middle Eastern races along with China and Vietnam should be on top.

    Even though the likes of Russia, Brazil along with USA and Mexico sound optimistic, but the caseload in those countries remains on a high as things stand. China as emerged as a new contender with the COVID-19 cases going down, even though clusters are emerging.

    Chinese GP was the first to be postponed by FOM but was never said to be cancelled all-together. As per the latest news from Bin, where he spoke about all the sports in the country on Shanghai People’s Radio, the F1 topic raised some eyeballs.

    Bin stated that F1 has pitched an idea for Shanghai International Circuit to host two Chinese GP races – possibly in October, which will help the sport undertake some flyaway rounds in an already shortened calendar which starts in July in Austria.

    They have eight F1 rounds slated between July and September first week in Austria, Hungary, United Kingdom, Belgium and Italy. With additional races being talked about in Europe along with possibility of Middle East and now Asia, it might fit 15-18 races.

    The idea of two Chinese GP rounds seems valid as F1 would want to salvage as much if they are taking the trouble to travel to China. It brings Vietnam GP in the game but as it is a street race, it will be challenging for them, especially with 2021 date so close then.

    “The international sports organizations and associations recognize and support Shanghai’s willingness to host the events. We will continue to follow the development of the virus and decide dates for F1 and tennis Shanghai Masters,” said Bin.

    It seems like both the Chinese and the Shanghai Government are happy to stage international events but they have cautioned that it will all depend on the case load. The domestic events have slowly started to pick up pace, especially with training/practice.

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