Singapore GP, Azerbaijan GP and Japanese GP have confirmed the cancellation of the 2020 F1 grand prix due to COVID-19 pandemic.
What was already looking to be in danger, it has been confirmed now that Singapore GP, Azerbaijan GP and also Japanese GP have all been officially cancelled for the 2020 F1 season due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Singapore GP, Azerbaijan GP and Japanese GP join Monaco GP, French GP and Dutch GP in the official cancellation list, while Australian GP is unlikely to happen as well along with Canadian GP as Singapore and Japan become the first two from Asia in the list.
“The last few months have been extremely challenging on all fronts, and we have now made this difficult decision which Formula 1 and our stakeholders accept we have had to take,” said Mr. Colin, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP).
“Ultimately, the health and safety of our contractors and their workers, spectators, Formula 1 crew, staff and volunteer marshals is our number one priority and we thank everyone for their patience and unwavering support thus far.
“While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to host the race this year, we look forward to welcoming fans to the race next season and wish the Formula 1 community well as it starts its season in July.”
At the same time, Ms Ong Ling Lee, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board, commented: “The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) supports the joint decision by race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd and F1 to cancel the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2020, as this safeguards the health and wellbeing of participants, fans and all Singaporeans.
“Since 2008, the F1 race has generated benefits for both Singapore and the F1 franchise, with many local businesses actively involved in race preparations and operations. We take pride in our track record of hosting the first and only F1 night street race for the past 12 years, and we look forward to its return next year.”
The news regarding cancellation of F1 Singapore GP is not surprising considering the work needed to be done to set-up a street track. With the virus situation still not clear, it comes as a wise decision to pull itself out from 2020 and prepare well for 2021.
Fans who were to attend the 2020 Singapore GP will be conveyed about the options they have, which includes refunds within 30 days and or rollover the tickets for the 2021 event. For those who bought it via SGP’s Authorised Ticketing Partners, they have been advised to connect with them and secure their refunds.
The same way for Azerbaijan GP, fans can ask for refunds by contacting bilet@bakugp.az and like Singapore GP, the tickets can be rolled over for 2021 event.
As known, the 2020 season is to start in July with the Austrian GP and is set to host eight rounds until September with the Italian GP. Post that, F1 is looking mostly to stay in Europe but races in Middle East and or Russia remains a possibility.
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