The French GP organisers have officially cancelled the 2020 F1 grand prix due to COVID-19 as British GP updates on no fans clause if race happens.
The 2020 French GP becomes the second official cancellation after the Monaco GP amid host of other postponements. It is the 10th F1 race to be cancelled/postponed which makes it all of the grand prix until June has been affected due to COVID-19.
The French Government’s decision to ban mass gatherings has pushed the organisers to take the decision with little chance of re-schedule. The promoters of French GP hopes to be back for the 2021 F1 season, the calendar for which is yet to be revealed.
Here’s the full statement from French GP:
Due to the declarations of the President of the French Republic to ban major events until at least the middle of July and to maintain the closure of the Schengen area until further notice, and the recent decisions announced by the French Government to fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet takes note of the impossibility to maintain the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France on June 28th.
The health and safety of its spectators, its partners and all those involved in Formula 1 is a priority. The GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet supports the decisions taken by the French Government. The Formula 1 Grand Prix de France would like to thank its clients, all the administrators of its GIP, the Circuit Paul Ricard, all its partners and the companies accompanying it in the organisation of this event.
Eric Boullier, Managing Director of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet: “Given the evolution of the situation linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the French GP 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, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1: “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 GP 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.”
On the other hand, Silverstone also noted that if the 2020 British GP takes place, then no F1 fans will be allowed at the circuit due to the UK Government’s norms of no mass gathering. The event will be held behind the closed doors then.
The full statement from Stuart Pringle:
“I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British GP in front of the fans at Silverstone. We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the Government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.
“Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and Race Makers, and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make. We have consistently said that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year.
“Following this weekend’s news from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors. Should this be possible, it will be of some small comfort for you to know that the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix will be available to watch live on Sky and Channel 4.”
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