The FIA Formula E Championship has decided to postpone the first race in Indonesia (Jakarta) due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Formula E has been forced to cancel its third race as Jakarta will not take place on its June 6 date after the organisers decided not to stage it amid COVID-19 fears. The Asian race becomes the third after Sanya and Rome to be shelved due to the virus.
Even though we are still three months away from the ePrix, it is a bold decision but one which cannot be questioned considering the safety of the people. Formula E is bracing for more cancellations, especially with the likes of Paris, Berlin and Seoul.
The full statement from Formula E states:
“As instructed by the Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan – and in consultation together with Formula E, the FIA, Ikatan Motor Indonesia (IMI) and the Organising Committee of the Jakarta E-Prix (OC) – it will no longer be possible to race in Jakarta on the scheduled date of June 6, 2020.
“Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the escalating number of cases in Indonesia and Jakarta, the decision has been taken as the most responsible course of action, to protect the health and safety of championship participants, staff and spectators.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely with the relevant authorities and the Organising Committee of the Jakarta E-Prix, in order to assess the possibilities of rescheduling the race at a later date.
“With the growing number of COVID-19 cases in countries where Formula E currently has events scheduled to be held, we are evaluating contingency plans to lessen the potential impact of coronavirus and maintain the highest possible number of races on the calendar for season six,” said Alberto Longo, Co-Founder of Formula E.
“It is a fluid situation, developing on a daily basis and we remain realistic and flexible in our approach to alternative options, which will be communicated in due course. These include adding double-headers to existing events, using permanent facilities and racing behind closed doors if necessary and advised to do so by local authorities in any given location,” added Longo.
Here’s news on Formula E cancelling/postponing Rome ePrix
Here’s news on Formula E cancelling/postponing Sanya ePrix
