Latifi hopeful for a rescheduled Canadian Grand Prix

The postponement of the Canadian Grand Prix leaves Formula 1 rookie Nicholas Latifi without a home race in his rookie year.

A home grand prix is an event that any driver will look forward to, no matter what their level of experience. After the news broke late on Tuesday that the race was being postponed, Williams driver Latifi remained philosophical about the announcement.

"So, today we learned that the Canadian GP has been postponed due to the coronavirus," wrote Latifi. "Naturally, I’m sad that I’ll have to wait for the chance to race at my home F1 event.

"Since I’ve been competing, my ambition has been to represent my country at the highest level. And I’ve been looking forward to June’s race in Montreal ever since I was announced as a driver with Williams.

"But as action to control the spread of the virus stepped up, and other Montreal festivals were delayed or cancelled, today’s news was inevitable, I guess.

"My thoughts right now are with the race organising team who work flat out all year to put on such a great event. And obviously today’s news is disappointing for the awesome Canadian fans who always turn out in their thousands to watch us race."

The Canadian Grand Prix had been scheduled for June 14 and, due to previous postponements and cancellations, had become the new 2020 season opener.

Canadian GP becomes ninth Formula 1 race to be called off this seasonRead more

"We had some fun things planned for the GP, but we’ll have to pause those for the time being. If I have to wait a little bit longer for a rearranged race, that’s just how it is. Other drivers also face the prospect of their home race being disrupted.

"Fingers crossed the Canadian GP does happen at some stage this year. For now, my focus is on training and preparation so I’m 100% ready for when we do get the chance to go racing again."

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