Formula E’s Rome E-Prix has become the latest motorsport event to be either cancelled or postponed amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The Rome E-Prix was originally scheduled to be held on April 4 but has become the second Formula E event to postponed by the virus after the Sanya E-Prix n China.
Earlier this week, the Italian government announced that all sporting events would take place without the presence of spectators until April 3 to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Although the race takes place a day after the spectator ban is lifted, the weekend timetable provides issues for the event organisers.
Formula E issued a statement regarding the situation:
“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.
“All ticket holders will be contacted through the appropriate channels in the coming days.”
This announcement has raised further questions regarding the remaining events on the 2019-20 calendar.
Events believed to be under threat are the Seoul and Jakarta events given their close proximity to China, where the virus is widespread.