Organisers of the French Grand Prix have confirmed that the 2020 event has been cancelled altogether due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Formula 1 had been due to visit Circuit Paul Ricard on June 28 but the recent government declaration suspending events until mid-July placed a doubt over the grand prix.
On Monday the event’s promoter confirmed that it has opted to cancel the 2020 running of the grand prix.
It joins Australia and Monaco in cancelling its event with seven others – Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain, Azerbaijan and Canada – currently postponed.
“Given the evolution of the situation linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the French Grand Prix takes note of the decisions announced by the French State making it impossible to maintain our event,” said French Grand Prix Managing Director Eric Boullier.
“The eyes of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet are already turning towards the summer of 2021 in order to offer our spectators an even more original event in the heart of the Southern Region.”
Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey added: “We have been in close contact with the French promoter during this evolving situation and while it is disappointing for our fans and the F1 community that the French Grand Prix will not take place we fully support the decision taken by the French authorities in France and look forward to being back at Paul Ricard soon.”
Formula 1 returned to Paul Ricard in 2018 after a 28-year absence from the venue.
