Bengaluru: Formula One (F1) organisers have cancelled three more Grands Prix — Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan — from the 2020 calendar due to the logistical issues caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
t is presumed that the long lead times required to construct the Singapore and Azerbaijan street circuits made hosting those events impossible, while travel restrictions made things difficult in Japan.
F1 had already cancelled four other races, including the showcase Monaco Grand Prix as well as the Australian, French and Dutch Grands Prix.
As lockdowns restrictions are being eased all over the world, the season is due to start on July 5 with two races behind closed in Austria, followed by six other Grands Prix in Europe as per a shortened provisional schedule.
“As a result of the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, we and our promoters in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan have taken the decision to cancel their races for the 2020 season,” an F1 statement said.
Singapore Grand Prix organisers said prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue had forced the cancellation of the spectacular night race.
“Apart from the closure of the event venue, other challenges include ongoing mass gathering and worldwide travel restrictions,” they added.
