Formula 1 is understood to be lining up Mugello as an option as a venue for a 2020 grand prix in the event of further European locations being required this season.
Formula 1 revealed its revised partial calendar last week, taking in races at the Red Bull Ring (July 5/12), the Hungaroring (July 19), Silverstone (August 2/9), Barcelona (August 16), Spa-Francorchamps (August 30) and Monza (September 6).
The championship remains optimistic of concluding the campaign with back-to-back events in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi on December 6 and 13 respectively.
But the remainder of the schedule is unclear due to the ever-changing nature of the situation in different territories, as well as the greater logistical and economic challenges involved in arranging ‘flyaway’ events, with all 10 teams based in Europe.
At least 15 events are planned on account of needing to satisfy existing contracts with broadcasters, which accounts for a healthy portion of Formula 1’s revenues.
Formula 1 is understood to favour scheduling as many of its original flyaway events as possible with existing partners in Asia and the Americas, with Russia open to multiple races.
But several promoters have already resigned themselves to being unable to fulfil their 2020 obligations due to the ongoing uncertainty, or the situation in their respective territories, and are now working on their 2021 events.
An alternative plan for Formula 1 is to hold further events in Europe, with the Ferrari-owned Mugello Circuit having emerged as a more viable option than former grand prix venue Imola, which has public routes intertwined around the venue.
Formula 1 has never raced at Mugello though the venue holds a Grade 1 license from the FIA, which is mandatory for the holding of a grand prix event, and hosted an in-season test during the 2012 season.
Mugello has been the permanent host of Motorcycling’s Italian Grand Prix since 1994, though its 2020 edition remains postponed, having originally been scheduled for May 31.
A provisional mid-September date has been earmarked, allowing Formula 1 to remain in Italy after the confirmed round at Monza, and ensuring the campaign begins with a trio of triple headers in Europe.
Should the proposal come to fruition it would mark the first time since 2012 that one country has had two events at different circuits, when Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Valencia Street Circuit both held Formula 1 rounds in Spain.
Italy previously hosted two races annually between 1981 and 2006, when Imola joined Monza as a permanent host venue, under the San Marino moniker.
Former German Grand Prix venue Hockenheim is also understood to be on a reserve list of venues, with the circuit having been ready to fill the breach when Silverstone’s prospects lessened, before it received a government reprieve.
So far only four of the planned 22 grands prix – Australia, the Netherlands, France and Monaco – have been officially cancelled.
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