Singapore GP, Japanese GP dropped from shortened 2020 F1 calendar

Very soon, Formula 1 is set to start racing in real life once more. The first race of the season is set to be held on the first weekend of July 2020 with the Austrian Grand Prix. Unfortunately, it seems more races have already been canceled ahead of the season opener. Organizers have confirmed that the Azerbaijan, Singapore, and Japanese Grand Prix scheduled to take place this 2020 season have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“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. These decisions have been taken due to the different challenges our promoters face in those countries. In Singapore and Azerbaijan, the long lead times required to construct street circuits made hosting the events during a period of uncertainty impossible and in Japan, ongoing travel restrictions also led to the decision not to proceed with the race,” F1 organizers said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Formula 1 confirmed the first eight races of the revised 2020 season calendar starting with the Austrian Grand Prix this July. Since then, organizers have been working to complete the remainder of the season. With three races canceled, they need to look for other venues to make up for races.

According to F1 Motorsport chief Ross Brawn, one of the contingencies is to have an extended European season in place. This includes possibly adding tracks that were not part of this year’s calendar. Some of the tracks that are being considered include Mugello, Imola, Portimao, and Hockenheim.

“There are a number of good European tracks where we could add another one or two races on to make sure we have a comprehensive season. We’re not going to declare it yet, as it’s still a work in progress,” said Brawn.