Home Formula 3Euroformula Latest COVID-19 restrictions in Europe puts F3 races at threat

Latest COVID-19 restrictions in Europe puts F3 races at threat

by Ida Wood

The latest lockdown measures in Europe in response to the global COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic means several Formula 3 fixtures are likely to be cancelled or postponed.

Both Belgium and Germany have announced extensions of their lockdown periods, and therefore ban on mass gatherings, through to the end of August, while France’s toughest restrictions will run through to mid-July.

This all but guarantees that the W Series season opener on Germany’s Norisring street circuit on July 11 will be cancelled, given the difficulty in rescheduling the city event. The series will instead start on August 1 at either Igora Drive in Russia or Anderstorp in Sweden.

Euroformula’s season opener at Hockenheim two weeks before on June 26-28 will also be affected, which series promoter GT Sport will likely looking to reschedule. Euroformula is one of several series now observing Esports options.

Spa-Francorchamps’ BRDC British F3 and Formula Renault Eurocup races in July will need to find new dates, something the latter series is already expected to have done.

Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3’s visit to the Belgian circuit on August 29/30 does come into the timespan set out by the restrictions, but it is hoped that an improvement in the country’s national health status could lead to the restrictions being loosened earlier.

has a greater chance of taking place as Belgium’s current lockdown measures will likely lead to improvements over the next four months.

French Formula 4 will have to postpone its trip to Nogaro on July 11/12, meaning its season could start at Magny-Cours on September 12/13. ADAC F4’s latest calendar revisions have already been made rendered irrelevant, with the provisionally listed Nurburgring round on August 15/16 now off the table.