Bahrain and Vietnam Races postponed after Australian Grand Prix cancellation

Formula One 2020

Bahrain and Vietnam Races postponed

No Grand Prix racing until May at the earliest

Sam Hall

Saturday 14 March 2020 11:00

Formula 1 announced on Friday morning the postponement of the races in Bahrain and Vietnam, meaning that the will now be no grand prix event until May at the earliest as the sport finally accepts the reality of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision was announced just hours after the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled following a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the F1 paddock.

A statement from Formula 1 read, "In view of the continued global spread of COVID-19 and after ongoing discussions with the FIA, the Bahrain International Circuit, the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Hanoi People’s Committee the Vietnamese Motorsports Association, and the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation, a decision has been taken by all parties to postpone both races due to take place on the 20th – 22nd March in Bahrain and April 3rd – 5th April in Vietnam.

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"Following the announcement of the Australian Grand Prix’s cancellation this week and the ongoing and fluid nature of the COVID-19 situation globally, Formula 1, the FIA and the promoters have taken these decisions in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains our primary concern.

"Formula 1 and the FIA continue to work closely with the race promoters in Bahrain and Vietnam and the local authorities to monitor the situation and take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for each Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.

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“The global situation regarding COVID-19 is fluid and very difficult to predict and its right we take time to assess the situation and make the right decisions," said Carey. "We are taking this decision with the FIA and our promoters to ensure the safety of everyone involved in Formula 1 and our fans.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix is an exciting race in our schedule, and we look forward to being back there as soon as we can. We are also looking forward to Vietnam’s inaugural race and bringing the spectacle of F1 to one of the most exciting cities in the world.”

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"We continue to rely on the input and advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and governments and will work with them throughout this unpredictable period to safeguard the fans, competitors and all of the motor sport community.”