The ABB Formula E series Rome E-Prix scheduled for April 4 has been canceled because of the Italian government’s restriction on public events resulting from the coronavirus outbreak. The series had already canceled its March race in Sanya, China, because of the virus.
Formula E’s statement on the cancellation says:
“As a consequence of the ongoing health emergency in Italy and according to the provisions set out in the ministerial decree concerning measures to counteract and contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country—which includes sporting events with large crowds and spectators in close proximity—it will no longer be possible to stage the Rome E-Prix on April 4, 2020.
‘Formula E, in agreement with the relevant authorities in Rome, EUR S.p.A and together with the FIA and Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), will work closely with championship partners and stakeholders in order to assess and review alternative options to postpone the Rome E-Prix to a later date once restrictions have been lifted.”
The BMW i Andretti Motorsport team is a front runner so far in Season 6 of the series; after the fifth race of the season in Marrakesh on February 29 , DS Techeetah’s Antonio Félix da Costa leads drivers’ points, with BMW’s Alexander Sims third and Maximilian Günther fourth. BMW i Andretti is second to DS Techeetah in team points.
The series’ April 18 race in Paris is next. Both it and the May race in Seoul, South Korea may be at risk of cancellation. The series is considering alternate venues and doubling up on races at other venues on the schedule to make up for canceled races. The series’ complete schedule appears on its website.—Brian Morgan
[Photo courtesy BMW Motorsport.]
