Italian Grand Prix to run as a ghost race

Fans will need to wait a bit longer before they are allowed to attend Formula One races after the Italian Grand Prix organizers have confirmed that it will be staged without fans.

The Italian Grand Prix was expected to be the first race of the season that could be staged with fans. However, the organizers of the most thrilling European venue of Formula One have confirmed that it will not be possible to hold the event with spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a short statement released on Wednesday, the Autodromo di Monza communicated: “The Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix 2020 at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza from 4 to 6 September will take place behind closed doors, i.e. without spectators."

“Tickets already purchased will be refunded for the full value of the face price shown on them. In the next few hours, buyers will receive a communication via e-mail with the different refund methods, based on the channel through which the tickets were purchased.”

Monza will hold the first race in Italy from September 4 to September 6, followed by a grand prix at Ferrari’s own circuit Mugello. Formula One has recently added a race at Imola to its heavily-revised calendar that will take place at the legendary Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on November 1.

It is believed that the inaugural Tuscan Grand Prix could become the first race of the delayed and curtailed 2020 Formula 1 championship that will be run with the attendance of fans, although it is likely that only local fans in limited number will be allowed to attend the event. The Russian Grand Prix organizers have already expressed their wish to hold their race at Sochi with fans.