More updates on how the 2020 Formula One season could get underway were released on Monday.
Firstly, it was announced that the French Grand Prix had officially become the tenth grand prix to be either cancelled or postponed. The race was originally scheduled to be held on the weekend of June 28 but this was not possible because of the French government’s ban on major events until July.
Not long after that announcement, Chase Carey, CEO of the Formula One Group, made a statement setting out a more concrete plan for the new season calendar.
The target for the start of the season is the Austrian Grand Prix, which looks set to go ahead as planned on the weekend of July 5.
“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 3-5 July weekend,” Carey said.
“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.”
Carey added that a finalised calendar would be published as soon as possible. It must be noted that this will be subject to change as governments around the world adapt their policies to the changing situation.
The early races in Europe are expected to be held behind closed doors. We know for sure that will be the case at the British Grand Prix, as announced in a statement by Stuart Pringle, the managing director of Silverstone.
(Stephen Blackberry/Action Plus via Getty Images)
“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,” Pringle said.
Fortunately for British fans, the current broadcast deal in the country means that the race will be shown free-to-air so it will be accessible to all.
This is an optimistic announcement from Formula One with the intention still to cram as many as eighteen races into the space of six months. However, it is one that should be welcomed.
While this will likely lead to a back-breaking calendar that puts pressure on everyone involved in the sport, it will help to keep people in their jobs and minimise any further adverse impacts.
The smaller teams would be staring down the barrel of pulling out of the sport altogether otherwise.
That prediction may probably be an over exaggeration but it’s not far off the reality. Either way, Formula One should take this opportunity to look at reducing the cost cap so that we can continue to see all ten teams on the current grid for many years to come.
For now though, it looks like we’ve got just two more months to wait until the five red lights go out and the 2020 Formula One season can safely get underway.
Looking for great odds on racing and sport? Get into the action with PlayUp today. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Team Penske is under the same umbrella of ownership as the IndyCar Series itself, so it was imperative for to drop the hammer and protect their integrity—which, thankfully, they did.
Red Bull can’t rest on its laurels and if Perez can’t provide them with cover on the rare days that Verstappen is having trouble, it's time to look elsewhere.
The absolute vitriol against the Canadian that has come from the incident is beyond reprehensible.
The Long Beach Grand Prix is the Monaco of American motorsport, and this past weekend, the IndyCar Series reminded everyone exactly why. We witnessed…
New Zealand made a triumphant return to the Supercars championship calendar since the demise of the much-loved Pukekohe Park Raceway – as Taupō delivered…
It’s time that serious questions are asked of his Lance Stroll and his future in the team.
