Formula One French Grand Prix cancelled because of coronavirus pandemic

It is the 10th race to either be cancelled or postponed this year as a result of the outbreak

Formula One F1 - French Grand Prix - Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France - June 22, 2019       Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during the race   REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
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Formula One's French Grand Prix is the latest race on the circuit to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers announced on Monday.

"Given the evolution of the situation linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the French Grand Prix takes note of the decisions announced by the French State making it impossible to maintain our event," said Eric Boullier, Managing Director of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet.

“The eyes of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet are already turning towards the summer of 2021 in order to offer our spectators an even more unprecedented event at the heart of the Région Sud.”

The Formula One season has yet to start and the race at the southern circuit is the 10th to be affected by the pandemic.

The Australian Grand Prix, Monaco Grand Prix, and now the French Grand Prix have all been cancelled, while races in Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada have been postponed.

"We have been in close contact with the French promoter during this evolving situation," said Chase Carey, Chairman and chief executive of Formula One. "And while it is disappointing for our fans and the F1 community that the French Grand Prix will not take place we fully support the decision taken by the authorities in France and look forward to being back at Paul Ricard soon.”