Carey 'increasingly confident' of July start for Formula 1

Formula 1 chief executive Chase Carey says the sport is still targeting a July start for the 2020 season and a calendar of 15 to 18 races.

On Monday, the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard became the tenth race to be canceled or postponed while Silverstone announced that it's event, which remains scheduled for July 19, will not be open to race fans.

Following the two announcements, Carey provided an update to fans on the latest developments regarding the 2020 schedule, with Austria now firmly positioned as the F1 season's curtain raiser.

• Circuit Paul Ricard officially cancels French Grand Prix!

"Although this morning it was announced that the French Grand Prix, due to take place in late June, will not be going ahead, we are now increasingly confident with the progress of our plans to begin our season this summer," he said.

"We’re targeting a start to racing in Europe through July, August and beginning of September, with the first race taking place in Austria on 3-5 July weekend.

"September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races.

"We will publish our finalised calendar as soon as we possibly can.

"We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule. We still have to work out many issues like the procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country.

"The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority one and we will only go forward if we are confident we have reliable procedures to address both risks and possible issues."

Carey also addressed the sport's future in light of the latest regulation changes adopted by F1.

"While we have been moving forward with our 2020 plans, we have also been working hard with the FIA and the teams to strengthen the long term future of Formula 1 through an array of new technical, sporting, and financial regulations that will improve the competition and action on the track and make it a healthier business for all involved, particularly as we engage the issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic," said the American.

"All of our plans are obviously subject to change as we still have many issues to address and all of us are subject to the unknowns of the virus.

"We all want the world to return to the one we know and cherish, yet we recognise it must be done in the right and safest way.

"We look forward to doing our part by enabling our fans to once again safely share the excitement of Formula 1 with family, friends, and the broader community."

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