Formula E postpones next year’s Chinese race after pandemic-hit season
- Hong Kong was left off the Formula E calendar for a second straight year back in July
Formula E has postponed races scheduled for next year in China and Mexico for health and safety reasons after a pandemic-hit season, organisers of the all-electric championship said on Wednesday.
The Chinese resort of Sanya was scheduled to host a race on March 13, while Mexico City had been due to host the second round of season seven on February 13.
This year’s Chinese Formula E round was the first major motorsport event to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
The 2019-20 Formula E season ended in August with six races in Berlin after a spate of cancellations.
“In all decision-making we prioritise the health and safety of our staff and the entire Formula E community ... as well as the citizens and residents of the cities in which we race,” Formula E said in a statement.
It said the Chilean capital Santiago would host two season-opening races on January 16 and 17 but without spectators.
Diriyah, in Saudi Arabia, will then host a double-header of races on February 26-27, with planning for spectators to be allowed on site.
The series, which is now an FIA-recognised championship, said it will confirm subsequent races in early 2021.
Hong Kong was left off the Formula E calendar for a second straight year back in July with the Hong Kong Automobile Association pointing a lack of sponsorship interest because of the political and pandemic situations in the city.