The Dutch Grand Prix will have to wait one more year to return to the Formula One circuit after organisers said Thursday the race postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic will not take place in 2020.
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"The organisation of the Dutch Grand Prix, in consultation with Formula 1, has had to conclude that it is no longer possible to hold a race with fans present this year," a statement said.
"Therefore, it has been decided that the race will not take place this season and the inaugural race will now take place during the 2021 season."
The race was scheduled for early May at the Zandvoort track which was last on the circuit in 1985, when Niki Lauda won.
As a result, the Dutch GP will target a return next season with all tickets purchased for the cancelled 2020 race to remain valid for next year's event.
"We ask everyone to be patient. I had to look forward to it for 35 years, so I can wait another year," Jans Lammers, sports director of the Dutch GP, said.
The first 10 races of the season have been wiped out by the pandemic but F1 bosses still hope to conduct 15-18 of the originally planned 22 grands prix between July 5 and December.
A double-header in Austria is the intended starting point but the calendar after that is unconfirmed.
Australian Associated Press
