The ABB FIA Formula E Championship has announced an extended suspension of Season 6, with June’s Berlin E-Prix becoming the latest event to be postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Formula E confirmed the suspension of its present season last month, with all races across March, April and May either cancelled or postponed.
The Berlin E-Prix on June 21 was scheduled to be the next race of the season, however, with the German government extending its current ban on all on all public gatherings until August 31, this event will no longer take place on its proposed date.
Continuing to use its flag-based system when determining the status of each race on the calendar, the months of May and June have been placed in red flag conditions, with this indicating that no racing can happen.
The month of July meanwhile, remains in a yellow flag status, meaning racing could potentially resume in this period, depending on the situation of COVID-19.
With the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and ExCeL Exhibition Centre – home of the New York City and London E-Prix – converted into temporary hospitals, the final three scheduled races of the current campaign are also looking increasingly unlikely to go ahead.
“We aim to return to racing as soon as possible, but our priority in all decision-making must be the health and safety of our staff and the entire Formula E community of teams, manufacturers, partners, drivers and fans, as well as the citizens and residents of the cities in which we race,” read a statement issued by Formula E.
“We are assessing all available options in order to finish the season with the highest number of races possible. This contingency planning continues to explore staging races behind closed doors, using permanent track facilities, introducing new double headers and extending the season beyond its original end date.”
In the face of coronavirus, Formula E announced earlier this week that it will support the appeal against the pandemic, partnering with UNICEF to protect children and families who are most at risk.
As part of its fundraising activities, Formula E confirmed on Wednesday that it will enter the ever-growing esports scene, launching its own Race at Home Challenge that will commence this coming weekend, featuring drivers from the current gird.
