12 June 2020, Singapore – Race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd and Formula 1 today announced the cancellation of the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2020, due to continuing nationwide restrictions on construction and business activities brought about by the COVID- 19 pandemic.
While there are still more than three months to go before the scheduled race on 20 September, we regret to announce that we will be unable to proceed with the race due to the prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue required for a street race to be held in the city. Confirmation of the cancellation will also give certainty to our fans, ticketholders, and commercial partners.
Apart from the closure of the event venue, other challenges include ongoing mass gathering and worldwide travel restrictions. These and other measures were understandably put in place by the Singapore Government and the various authorities to prioritise safety and are targeted to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. With these limitations, which continue to remain in place, building and construction work of the circuit, which normally commences in May, have not been able to commence. We are therefore unable to complete the race circuit infrastructure in time for the race to take place.
“The last few months have been extremely challenging on all fronts, and we have now made this difficult decision which Formula 1 and our stakeholders accept we have had to take. Ultimately, the health and safety of our contractors and their workers, spectators, Formula 1 crew, staff and volunteer marshals is our number one priority and we thank everyone for their patience and unwavering support thus far. While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to host the race this year, we look forward to welcoming fans to the race next season and wish the Formula 1 community well as it starts its season in July,” said Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP).
Ms Ong Ling Lee, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board, commented: “The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) supports the joint decision by race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd and Formula 1 to cancel the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2020, as this safeguards the health and wellbeing of participants, fans and all Singaporeans. Since 2008, the F1 race has generated benefits for both Singapore and the F1 franchise, with many local businesses actively involved in race preparations and operations. We take pride in our track record of hosting the first and only F1 night street race for the past 12 years, and we look forward to its return next year.”
Singapore GP will provide existing ticketholders with automatic refunds within 30 business days, or if preferred, an option to rollover their ticket to next year’s event. Ticketholders will be contacted with more information on the next steps. Ticketholders who purchased via SGP’s Authorised Ticketing Partners should contact them for refunds.
In the meantime, Formula 1 fans in Singapore can look forward to a host of exciting programmes in the coming months as part of our continued efforts to engage fans and promote the sport.
ABOUT THE FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
Singapore has successfully hosted a decade of night racing and Asia’s only street race on the Formula 1® calendar in the Republic since 2008. The Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix will continue to enthral crowds with its unique combination of night race action and world-class entertainment till 2021. See the world’s finest drivers go wheel-to-wheel under lights at speeds of up to 320km/h, threading the barriers around Singapore’s picturesque Marina Bay featuring a spectacular backdrop of iconic heritage buildings, modern architecture and a stunning skyline.
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