Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey has confirmed that discussions have been held with venues not on the original 2020 calendar, as talks continue over arranging a revised calendar.
Formula 1 planned a record-breaking 22-round 2020 schedule but that has now been heavily disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Seven of the initial 10 opening rounds have been postponed while the other three events – in Australia, Monaco and France – have been cancelled.
Formula 1 hopes to begin its campaign in Austria on July 5 and Carey confirmed on Thursday that “it is likely” a second race will be held at the Red Bull Ring on July 12.
Further rounds in Europe are planned through until September, after which it is hoped Formula 1 can visit Asia and America, before concluding with events in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
The weekend of 12/13 December has been earmarked as a potential date for the final round in the United Arab Emirates, two weeks later than originally scheduled.
In a conference call to discuss Liberty Media’s Q1 earnings Carey also cautioned that “the remote possibility of no racing in 2020” had also been outlined.
“We have been working tirelessly since Australia and we are actively engaged with our promoters in putting together a potential 2020 race calendar,” said Carey.
“We have two primary challenges: identifying locations where we can hold a race and determining how we can transport all necessary parties and their equipment to that location for a race.
“We are in discussions with all our promoters as well some tracks that are not currently on our 2020 calendar to ensure that we explore all options.”
Carey added that “we hope fans will be able to attend races in the latter part of the year.”
It was also noted that “the economics of races will vary from existing agreements.”
