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The Formula 1 hopes to start its delayed 2020 season in July despite the first 10 races being cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Key points:
- A definitive schedule for the Formula 1 season will be available soon, its CEO says
- France's Grand Prix was cancelled, while no spectators will be allowed to attend the British GP
- The Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne was cancelled last-minute due to coronavirus
The French Grand Prix cancelled its race scheduled for June 28 rather than postponing it, making July 5 the targeted start date at the Austrian GP in Spielberg.
"We're targeting a start to racing in Europe through July, August and beginning of September, with the first race taking place in Austria on July 3-5 weekend," chairman and CEO Chase Carey said in a statement.
"September, October and November would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain, before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races."
Mr Carey said Formula 1 had been working closely with teams and promoters and a definitive calendar would be published as soon as possible.
Other races still hoping to be rescheduled are Vietnam, China, Azerbaijan, Spain, the Netherlands and Canada.
"We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule," Mr Carey said.
No spectators will be allowed at the British Grand Prix on July 19, organisers said.
"I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year's British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone," the circuit’s managing director, Stuart Pringle, said in a message to fans.
"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."
The March 15 Australian opener was called off after teams had already flown to Melbourne.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said even if the event had gone ahead, no spectators would have been allowed due to public health concerns.
The iconic Monaco GP on May 24 was also cancelled.
The resumption of racing will come as a huge relief to the teams, particularly privately owned ones who rely on a share of the sport's revenues from television and sponsorship to stay in business.
F1's finances have taken a hit with so many races called off, and smaller teams especially face an uncertain future. This has led to several discussions about reducing the budget-cap level.
"All of our plans are obviously subject to change as we still have many issues to address and all of us are subject to the unknowns of the virus. We all want the world to return to the one we know and cherish, yet we recognise it must be done in the right and safest way," Mr Carey added.
"We look forward to doing our part by enabling our fans to once again safely share the excitement of Formula 1 with family, friends, and the broader community."
ABC/wires
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