Official: Formula E temporarily suspends its championship

A few hours after the announcement of the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix of Formula 1, another major motorsport competition has announced a suspension. Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Formula E and the FIA have announced that the 2019 season will be temporarily suspended for a period of two months, given the challenges that the current health crisis poses to organizing events in city centers.

The full statement can be read below:

The decision, made in coordination with the competent local authorities, to temporarily freeze races organized in densely populated cities, was considered the most responsible measure, due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus and the World Health Organization officially declaring COVID-19 a pandemic.

The well-being of the staff, spectators, and the entire championship roster being the number one priority, the precautionary measures implemented will prevent the races from taking place for a defined period of time.

The series implements a flag system traditionally used in motorsport, to determine different phases and time windows where races could be rescheduled or remain unchanged. Red represents no race, yellow keeps the opportunity open, and green continues as planned.

The months marked as red flags are March and April, with May currently classified as a yellow flag, and June and July being given the green flag if the situation improves and stabilizes.

Due to the suspension, it will no longer be possible to run in Paris and Seoul, nor in Jakarta as previously announced on the initially scheduled dates.

Working in collaboration with the FIA and local authorities at each race location, Formula E will closely monitor the situation and evaluate options to organize and reschedule the races after the temporary suspension.

At this moment, it is time to take responsible measures, and that is why we have decided to temporarily suspend the season and move forward by introducing measures to freeze races over the next two months,” said Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of Formula E.

Motorsport plays a major role in our lives and it’s important, but what is more important is the health and safety of our staff, fans and their families, as well as the citizens of the cities where we race.

The ABB FIA Formula E Championship will come back stronger once the health crisis and the spread of COVID-19 have disappeared,” added Agag.