BTCC: First 3 Rounds to be Delayed by COVID-19

TOCA have announced that the first three rounds of the 2020 BTCC campaign are to be postponed due to government advice on COVID-19.

This news has been revealed on the same day as the series’ press and media event at Silverstone, which was run without public spectators in fears of the virus spreading.

Donington Park (March 28/29), Brands Hatch (Aprill 11/12), and Silverstone (April 25/26) are the rounds affected by this delay.

The BTCC and TOCA have followed suit of many other major motorsports across the world in cancelling their races, such as F1, NASCAR, MotoGP and the Isle of Man TT.

In a statement issued on the evening before the press day, TOCA highlighted their concerns for the public and drivers catching the contagious Coronavirus. It did not state whether the BTCC rounds would go ahead, however.

Today’s statement (17th March) confirmed that no racing will occur until May, at the earliest.

TOCA said:

“TOCA of course completely respects the government’s directives. The health of our entire nation  – not just our competitors, fans, marshals, officials and personnel – is of absolute importance. Accordingly, the start of the 2020 BTCC must now be delayed and we therefore advise the postponement of our first three events.

Clearly the COVID-19 situation is ever-changing and incredibly challenging for everyone. Our firm intention is to run the full season of ten events and we will work closely with the circuits and our stakeholders in order to reschedule new dates for all postponed events.”

For the time being, that makes the first scheduled BTCC round Thruxton on the 16/17 May 2020. Whether all 10 rounds will be completed have not yet been confirmed.