Start, Formula E, Rome, 2019

Coronavirus causes first major race cancellation in Europe as Formula E scraps Rome EPrix

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Italy’s round of the Formula E championship in Rome on April 4th has been scrapped due to the spread of the Coronavirus.

It is the latest in a series of disruptions to the motorsport calendar caused by the virus. Significantly, it is the first major European race to be cancelled due to Coronavirus.

The third running of the Rome EPrix is the second event the series has cancelled this year due to the virus. The Sanya EPrix, which was scheduled for March 21st, was cancelled in February.

“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 EPrix on April 4, 2020,” the championship announced.

The championship is hopeful of being able to reschedule the race. This year’s championship is due to finish in London on July 26th.

“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 EPrix to a later date once restrictions have been lifted,” it added.

“All ticket holders will be contacted through the appropriate channels in the coming days.”

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Major races cancelled or postponed due to Coronavirus

DatesSeriesEventLocationCountry
March 6 – March 8Moto GPQatar Grand PrixLosail International CircuitQatar
March 13 – March 15World SuperbikesQatarLosail International CircuitQatar
March 21 – March 21Formula ESanya EPrixSanyaChina
March 20 – March 22Moto GPThailand Grand PrixBuriram International CircuitThailand
March 21 – March 22Super TaikyuRound oneSuzukaJapan
April 4 – April 4Formula ERome EprixRomeItaly
April 4 – April 5Super FormulaRound oneSuzukaJapan
April 17 – April 19Formula 1Chinese Grand PrixShanghai International CircuitChina
April 17 – April 19Porsche Carrera Cup AsiaShanghai roundShanghai International CircuitChina
April 17 – April 19Chinese Formula FourShanghai roundShanghai International CircuitChina

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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2 comments on “Coronavirus causes first major race cancellation in Europe as Formula E scraps Rome EPrix”

  1. Yet another typo in the subject… this time calling a FormulaE race a “major event”… that’s a good one!

    1. Yeah, my thought as well. It’s not ‘major’ if nobody actually cares…

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