The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has announced the cancellation of Sebring 1000 Miles event due to COVID-19’s travel restrictions.
WEC has been forced to cancel Sebring 1000 Miles, which was scheduled for March 20 after the decision of the United States of America’s Government to suspend travel from Europe amid the growing outbreak of now pandemic, COVID-19.
This is the first event in the cancel list of WEC which comes days after the statement from ACO that – for now – the Le Mans 24 Hours races is on schedule. But with the cases in Europe growing massively, it puts other events in danger as well.
Here’s the full statement from WEC:
“Following the announcement made by President Trump at 9.00 pm(EST) on 11th March of a wide suspension of travel by non US citizens from Europe to the USA, the leadership of the WEC has reviewed the viability of staging the Sebring 1000 Miles race.
“Following the announcement made by President Trump at 9.00 pm (EST) on 11th March of a wide suspension of travel by non US citizens from Europe to the USA, the leadership of the WEC has reviewed the viability of staging the Sebring 1000 Miles race planned to be held at Sebring on 20th March. After a careful review of the situation, it has been determined that the WEC race will be cancelled.
“Given the large number of drivers, team staff and officials who are still in Europe and who were scheduled to travel to the USA in the coming days, it would not be possible or appropriate to stage the race in their absence. The decision to cancel was communicated and accepted by John Doonan, President of IMSA late in the evening of 11th March.
Gerard Neveu CEO of WEC said: “This decision was not made lightly. Our teams and officials place great value on racing at Sebring in front of its enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans. While this cancelation has been forced upon us because of the travel restrictions from Europe to USA, WEC remains committed at all times to the health and welfare of its teams, officials and race fans. Further, the quality of every aspect of a WEC race event is at the heart of everything that we do and will never be compromised.”
“In addition to the cancelation of the race, WEC’s Sebring test scheduled for 14th and 15th March will now not take place. With all racecars and equipment already located in the Sebring paddock, WEC will now focus on managing an orderly return to Europe.”
Here’s the last news from ACO on Le Mans
