Formula E postpones opening rounds of 2021 in Chile

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Formula E has announced that the opening round of its 2021 season, a double-header scheduled on January 16-17 at Santiago in Chile, has been postponed.

The all-electric series did not provide any details for why the event has been delayed, but it's likely the postponement was prompted by the current COVID-19 crisis, with Chile closing its borders to visitors originating from the UK where five FE teams - Mercedes, Envision Virgin Racing, Jaguar Racing, Mahindra Racing and NIO 333 - are based.

"On December 22, in consultation with the Santiago municipality, the decision was taken to postpone the Santiago E-Prix," Formula E stated on its website.

"The races will no longer take place as a double-header on January 16-17 and Formula E is working with the city to finalise dates on which to stage the races later in Q1 (first quarter) of 2021."

Read also: McLaren considering entry into Formula E in 2023!

The FIA Formula E series' seventh season is set to unfold over 12 rounds this year, a schedule that includes three double-header weekends in Santiago, Diriyah and London.

Tuesday's news implies that the series will likely kick off its campaign at Diriyah in Saudi Arabia on February 26.

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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.