F1: French Grand Prix cancelled from 2020 calendar

In breaking news this morning the FIA Formula One World Championship race due to take place at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France has been cancelled. 

France has become the latest country to withdraw its race from the 2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and due to a declaration from French President Emmanuel Macron to ban all large scale events until mid-July at the earliest, it is unfortunate that France now adds its name to the list of Formula One events that will not be running in 2020.

In the last two weeks we have also seen Belgium ban all sporting events until August 31st putting their Grand Prix in danger, and France becomes the 10th race this season to postpone or cancel its original 2020 calendar slot.

It seems they believe that another calendar slot would be unlikely with Directeur General du GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet, Eric Boullier saying;

“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. The eyes of the GIP Grand Prix du 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”

The French Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar during the summer in 2018, and has hosted two races at Le Castellet since leaving Magny-Cours at the completion of the 2009 season.

The 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship is slated to start with two races in Austria on July 5th and July 12th.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Formula One season.