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OFFICIAL: Grand Prix of Singapore,Japan and Azerbaijan will not take place in 2020

12 June 2020 at 09:28
  • GPblog.com

It has been hanging in the air for a while, but Formula 1 now officially announces that the Grand Prix of Singapore, Japan and Azerbaijan will not be on the Formula 1 calendar in 2020. Due to the lack of fans, the Singapore event is not worth the cost.

No night race in Singapore

The Singapore Grand Prix has become a Formula 1 calendar classic in recent seasons, but in 2020 it will not be to be admired. The coronavirus prevented a normal season in Formula 1 and in the 'new normal' the Marina Bay Circuit will not find a place on the calendar.

The organization says that building and setting up the circuit by the coronavirus is impossible. There is not enough time to do this and it is also not profitable for Formula 1 to take over these costs. As expected, Formula 1 prefers permanent circuits.

Besides the Singapore Grand Prix, the races in Azerbaijan (also a street race) and Japan have also been cancelled. Also the cancelled Grand Prix of Japan is no surprise, after the MotoGP race was cancelled earlier, while it is being held a week after the Grand Prix of Japan.

Mixed feelings in Singapore

"The past few months have been extremely challenging on all fronts, and we have now taken this difficult decision that Formula 1 and our stakeholders accept," said Vice President Colin Syn. "Ultimately, the health and safety of our contractors and their employees, spectators, Formula 1 crews, staff and volunteer marshals is our first priority, and we thank everyone for their patience and unwavering support so far. Although we are disappointed that we will not be able to host the Singapore Grand Prix this year, we look forward to welcoming the fans in the next season and wish the Formula 1 community good luck at the start of the season in July".

Ong Ling Lee is the Sports Director of the Tourism Council of Singapore and she welcomes the decision: "This will protect the health and well-being of the participants, the fans and all Singaporeans. Since 2008, the F1 race has brought benefits to both Singapore and the F1 franchise, with many local companies actively involved in the race preparations and operations. We are proud of our track record of hosting the first and only F1 night street race in the last 12 years, and look forward to returning next year".