Vietnam F1 Coronavirus: Vietnam GP 2020 Event Cancelled Due To COVID-19

The Vietnam GP 2020 event has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus that is currently sweeping across the world. The Vietnam Grand Prix was earlier scheduled to take place behind closed doors in Hanoi but was called off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The decision of the F1 Chief to call off the race came under intense scrutiny after the decision was made at the eleventh hour. Teams, Drivers, Fans and betting platforms have all expressed disappointment in the development that was inevitably brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Here is the latest Vietnam F1 coronavirus.

In a statement released by F1 regulatory body the FIA stated that because of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and after brief discussions with the FIA, the Hanoi Committee, the Automobile Association, the Government, and the promoter, namely Vietnam GP Corporation, a decision was reached to postpone braces due to take place on March 20th-22nd and April 3rd-5th.

The postponement was another of a series of formula one races that were called off due to the spread of the coronavirus. The virus has cast doubt on the 2020 F1 calendar with teams still uncertain on the fate of the season.

Vietnam Records 122 Cases Of Coronavirus

Vietnam recorded nine new cases of coronavirus on 22nd of March, which brings the total number of cases to 122. Vietnam is yet to record any casualty from the deadly virus, and the country has been able to contain the virus. However, the cancellation of the Vietnam Grand Prix was taken as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the virus.

There’s no information on the new date for the cancelled race yet, and it will be challenging to fit the race into the already crowded 2020 Formula 1 calendar. The 2020 F1 season is expected to kick off in Europe with the European races, but that is also in doubt because of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the EU.

Official Statement by the Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation: Vietnam GP 2020 Postponed

The statement can be read in full here. Summarizing, the Vietnamese government, and all significant motorsports associations in Vietnam, together with F1, concluded that the event (which should have taken place on April 3rd-5th) would be postponed. All organizations involved will continue to work closely to find another solution for the inaugural race in Vietnam.

Updated Formula 1 Calendar for 2020

The negative effect of the COVID-19 virus on the 2020 F1 calendar has created the need for a review of the season calendar. The FIA and the various teams are discussing the possibility of reviewing the timeline and adjusting it to fit the current situation.

The regulatory body will discuss with promoters in an attempt to try and reschedule the postponed competitions although it will be difficult to fit all the cancelled races in the calendar that contains a record-breaking 22 events. Although there’s no public knowledge of what the new season will be like there will likely be several back to back races, and minimal break in the season.

Formula 1 Drivers To Compete In Virtual Racing

In recent developments, the FIA has announced that F1 drivers will compete in virtual racing. The virtual racing was introduced to offer fans the opportunity to enjoy racing despite the COVID-19 that has brought the 2020 F1 season to a standstill. The drivers will compete in the event remotely from their various locations. This is to keep in line with the WHO guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus. The virtual races will not add to the season championship.

The first virtual event will take place the same day and time the Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled to take place. Fans can stream the races live and also bet on their favourite drivers on different betting platforms. Stay tuned for more F1 coronavirus news!