Formula E: Rome E-Prix second postponed race due to coronavirus fears
F1 News
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
The Rome E-Prix has been postponed because health and safety concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak, after the Sanya E-Prix in China had already been postponed last month as well.
The virus has now infected over one hundred thousand people worldwide and killed three thousand, mostly in China where the disease was first discovered. This Wednesday, the Italian government opted to hold all sporting events up until April 3rd, the day before the Rome E-Prix, behind closed doors.
Even though the street race in Rome would be on April 4th, the organisers have still opted to postpone the event as they don't want to risk anyone's health or safety, both fans and teams.
A statement regarding the 2020 Rome E-Prix and #COVIDー19: https://t.co/WbEacQaFwd
— ABB Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) March 6, 2020
The Formula E put out a statement regarding the event, saying the following:
"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."
With the Sanya and Rome E-Prix postponed, the next Formula E race will be in Paris on April 18th.