Mexico does not abandon hopes of hosting its 2020 race
The organisers of the Mexican Grand Prix say they remain hopeful that the race can take place on the original date despite the global coronavirus pandemic.
The Mexican Grand Prix is set to take place on November 1, albeit the current situation in Latin America casts doubts over the feasibility of the event. After Europe had become the epicentre of the coronavirus crisis in the months of March and April, the number of cases has significantly increased America in May.
As of June 4, 2020, Mexico was the fourth Latin American country with the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
According to a statement issued by the organisers, all measures will be prepared that are necessesary to stage the race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit in safe conditions.
“The highest priority of the organisers of the Mexico City GP is to ensure the well-being and health of all, which is why the strictest sanitation measures are being taken to guarantee the safest experience for all attendees at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez,” read a statement.
“For this, in conjunction with Formula 1, FIA and the Government of Mexico City, they will be closely monitoring the world situation."
Should the situation not improve significantly, the race could be staged behind closed doors without the attendence of fans. “In the event that due to force majeure the event in Mexico City must be held without an audience or is cancelled, it will be communicated through official channels.”
Mexico made its debut in Formula 1 in 1963 at the Magdalena Mixhuca race course. Jim Clark won the inaugural race for the Lotus-Climax team. The race disappeared from the GP calendar at the end of 1970, but returned in 1986 and hosted another seven grands prix. Following a 23-year hiatus, Mexico’s Hermanos Rodríguez track re-appeared on Formula 1’s calendar again in 2015. This year’s race would be the 20th edition of the Mexican Grand Prix.
