Formula E’s Jakarta race postponed amid coronavirus battle as organisers make contingency plans
- Indonesian capital joins Rome and Sanya races in looking for another date as coronavirus hits calendar
- Paris and Seoul events could also be affected but organisers are looking for alternatives to ensure smooth season six
Formula E’s debut E-Prix in Jakarta planned for June has joined the Rome and Sanya races in being postponed, organisers announced on Wednesday.
“As instructed by the Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan – and in consultation together with Formula E, the FIA, Ikatan Motor Indonesia and the Organising Committee of the Jakarta E-Prix – it will no longer be possible to race in Jakarta on the scheduled date of June 6, 2020,” a statement read.
“Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the escalating number of cases in Indonesia and Jakarta, the decision has been taken as the most responsible course of action, to protect the health and safety of championship participants, staff and spectators.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely with the relevant authorities and the Organising Committee of the Jakarta E-Prix, in order to assess the possibilities of rescheduling the race at a later date.”
The all electric racing series has also had to cancel plans for its Rome and Sanya races because of the coronavirus epidemic and organisers face a challenge for season six to be completed with its full calendar of races.
There is speculation that the debut Seoul E-Prix, planned for May 3, will also be postponed, while the Paris E-Prix, set for April 18, could be affected too.
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French authorities have moved the 24 Hours Le Mans motorbike event from the weekend of April 18 and 19 to September 5 and 6.
A growing number of sports across the world are reacting to the epidemic by cancelling or postponing events and playing behind closed doors.
Formula E co-founder Alberto Costa said that they were looking at contingencies, including taking the street circuit races to purpose built tracks.
“With the growing number of COVID-19 cases in countries where Formula E currently has events scheduled to be held, we are evaluating contingency plans to lessen the potential impact of coronavirus and maintain the highest possible number of races on the calendar for season six,” Costa said.
“It is a fluid situation, developing on a daily basis and we remain realistic and flexible in our approach to alternative options, which will be communicated in due course.
“These include adding double-headers to existing events, using permanent facilities and racing behind closed doors if necessary and advised to do so by local authorities in any given location."
The Autosport website reported that the April 4 slot originally reserved for the Rome race has been kept open for a possible race in Valencia.
