The Super Formula season has had its third race at Autopolis added to its list of postponements, provisionally leaving the calendar at just four races.
A pre-season test at Suzuka, as well as the season opening race at the circuit and what was due to be round two at Fuji Speedway had all been postponed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and Japanese government responses to the crisis.
Autopolis, which was scheduled to run on May 16/17, has also now been postponed but SF has confirmed it is looking for a replacement date at the circuit for its and the supporting Super Formula Lights series.
“In response to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have been carefully studying with related parties, taking into account the safety and security of race participants and the people involved in the tournament as the highest priority, and have made the decision to postpone the event,” said a circuit statement.
“We hope that all fans and stakeholders who are looking forward to watching the game will understand. We will inform you of the alternate date with the extension once it is decided.”
Both SF and SF Lights are now due to start on June 20/21 at Sportsland SUGO. If Autopolis and Suzuka are successfully rescheduled then the SF season will run to six races and will not have its FIA superlicence points allocation affected by having a shorter calendar.
If however it does remain at the four races that currently remain scheduled, then it would take a deduction in how drivers can be rewarded in the series.