MORE FORMULA 1 RACES FACE THE AXE AMID COVID-19 CRISIS
A rapid reworking of the grand prix roster after cancellations is causing headaches
Organisers of the Formula 1 World Championship could be forced into a Euro-centric calendar as the Japanese, Singapore and Azerbaijan Grands Prix have all been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Singapore and Azerbaijan have faced serious difficulties because of the street circuit nature of the venues, while stringent rules on international travellers means Suzuka has also faced the axe.
Grand prix racing bosses are still confident of hosting a 15-18 race roster despite the cancellation of the opening 10 races.
F1 said in a statement it has “made significant progress with existing and new promoters on the revised calendar and been particularly encouraged by the interest that has been shown by new venues”.
As well as double headers in Austria and Britain, other venues are now likely to appear on the roster and Italy’s Mugello, owned by Ferrari, has been tipped as a host along with Portugal’s Portimao, which held international racing’s European post-covid-19 return last weekend with a 24-hour race.
Bahrain could also be used multiple times, with an oval-style layout being added to the races that are able to take place. Sochi in Russia is also able to host more than one round, and grand prix chiefs are looking at ways of reviving the cancelled Canadian Grand Prix .
Other races in America, Brazil and Mexico, which are still pencilled in to take place, could also fall by the wayside.
F1 managing director Ross Brawn told BBC Sport: “If we judge the health and safety risk is too high, even if we can meet the obligations of the country, then we may not go there.”