Circuit Paul Ricard officially cancels French Grand Prix!

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The French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard which was scheduled to take place on June 28 has been officially cancelled by the race organisers and Formula 1.

The abandonment - the tenth cancellation or postponement of the 2020 season - was expected after France's decision to ban all public events and mass gatherings in the country until at least mid-July.

"Following the declarations of the French president to ban major events until at least the middle of July, to keep the Schengen area closed until further notice and the recent decisions announced by the French government to fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the GIP Grand Prix de France [at] Le Castellet takes note of the impossibility to maintain the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France on June 28, 2020," said the promoter in a statement released on Monday.

Silverstone confirms British GP won't be open to fans

French Grand Prix boss Eric Boullier suggests the race will not be re-scheduled to a later date this year.

"Given the evolution of the situation linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the French Grand Prix takes note of the decisions announced by the French State making it impossible to maintain our event," explained Boullier.

"The eyes of the GIP Grand Prix de France - Le Castellet are already turning towards the summer of 2021 in order to offer our spectators an even more unprecedented event at the heart of the Région Sud."

Chase Carey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1 added: "We have been in close contact with the French promoter during this evolving situation and while it is disappointing for our fans and the F1 community that the French Grand Prix will not take place we fully support the decision taken by the French authorities in France and look forward to being back at Paul Ricard soon."

The cancellation follows the news from Silverstone earlier today that the British Grand Prix, still tentatively scheduled for July 19, will not be open to race fans.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.