Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix postponed due to spread of coronavirus

F1

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is the latest race to fall from its original slot on the 2020 Formula 1 calendar as race organsiers announced the race had been postponed

2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Grand Prix Photo

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The 2020 Formula 1 season will not begin before mid-June as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has become the latest race to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It means the Canadian Grand Prix is now scheduled to host the first round of the championship on June 14, though the Montreal race is expected to fall from that slot in the near future also.

F1 had been hopeful of beginning its season in Baku after being forced to delay the start of the season, though with the current state of the COVID-19 outbreak still not under control, the race promoter said it was not possible to stage the race in a safe environment.

“The postponement was agreed upon after extensive discussions with Formula 1 as well as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic,” a statement from the Baku City Circuit said.

“This comes as a direct result of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and has been based entirely on the expert guidance provided to us by the relevant authorities.

“In coming to this conclusion, BCC’s primary concern throughout has been the health and well-being of the Azerbaijani people as well as all visiting F1 fans, staff and championship participants.

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“BCC shares its fans disappointment at not being able to experience the pinnacle of motorsport race through the streets of Baku this June. To that end, we will continue to work closely with Formula 1, the FIA and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic to monitor the situation with a view to announcing a new race date later in the 2020 season.

“All tickets for the FORMULA 1 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX 2020 will continue to be valid, without any additional formality. As soon as the new date of the Grand Prix is confirmed, all spectators will be informed accordingly about the available options, both for those who have purchased their tickets through the Baku City Circuit’s website and through other channels.

“The thoughts of everyone at Baku City Circuit during this challenging and unprecedented situation go out to all those directly and indirectly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We wish to thank all our supporters, customers and partners for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back to Baku later in the year for more unpredictable, thrilling racing action at the Home of the Street Fighters.

“In the meantime, we ask you to stay safe and stay at home if you can.”

The Azerbaijan race is the eighth race scheduled for the 2020 season to be affected by the pandemic, with the staging of the Canadian Grand Prix in serious doubt as well.

Canada announced it would not be sending athletes to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo over fears relating to the spread of coronavirus.