Singapore GP cancelled but F1 insist it has "plenty of options"

Formula 1

Singapore GP cancelled but F1 insist it has "plenty of options"

Turkey, China and a second US race on the cards

Ian Parkes

Friday 4 June 2021 16:00 Updated: 18:37

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The Singapore Grand Prix has become the latest race to fall victim to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

It is the second successive year the race in the country has been cancelled, leaving F1 with another hole to fill on its calendar as it seeks to fulfil a 23-race schedule.

At present, the October 1-3 date could be taken up by either a race in Turkey or China or intriguingly a second event in the United States.

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The immigration restrictions currently in place make it impossible for the race to go ahead this year, even though its date on the F1 calendar is four months away.

The country is one of the few on the UK government's green list, making it a safe place to visit, and without quarantine restrictions for those flying into the UK.

Singapore, however, is unwilling to take any chances on staging F1 and its entourage when it has managed to keep firm control on its infection rate.

Colin Syn, deputy chairman of the Singapore GP, said: "We understand that our fans were looking forward to another edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

"To cancel the event for a second year is an incredibly difficult decision, but a necessary one in light of the prevailing restrictions for live events in Singapore.

"We would not be able to deliver a full event experience fans have come to expect over the years, while safeguarding the health and safety of our fans, contractors, volunteers and staff.

"Ultimately, we have to be responsible, cautious and prudent as safety is our number one concern."

It leaves F1 searching for an alternative. A spokesperson said: "We continue to work with all promoters during this fluid time and have plenty of options to adapt if needed."

Among those options is China, that was postponed from its original slot in early April but has continued dialogue with F1 about the possibility of a late-season date.

Turkey is also in the running after it stepped in as replacement for the axed Canadian GP that was due to take place next weekend. The race in Istanbul, however, also fell by the wayside due to Covid restrictions.

Of the options on the table, America would appear to be the most appealing given F1's pursuit of that market.

At present, the United States GP is due to go ahead three weeks after the free date, with a race in Japan currently slated for October 8-10.

The Suzuka race, however, is another race in peril along with Mexico and Brazil.