Formula E postpones Rome E-Prix due to coronavirus

The Rome E-Prix has become the second FIA Formula E race to be postponed due to the escalating outbreak of coronavirus in Italy.   

Italy was scheduled to host the sixth round of the 2019-2020 Formula E season in Rome on April 4 but due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus, the all-electric championship has moved to abandon the race.

Italy is the most-affected European county by the coronavirus epidemic and has the fourth-highest amount of cases worldwide with over 3,800 confirmed cases and 148 deaths.

It had already been announced that all sporting events in Italy will take place behind closed doors until April 3 in a bid to reduce the spread of the flu-like virus by limiting gatherings of large crowds.

Formula E says it hopes to reschedule the race at a later date once restrictions in the country have been lifted.

“As a consequence of the ongoing health emergency in Italy and according to the provisions set out I’m the ministerial decree concerning measures to counteract and contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country - which includes sporting events with large crowds and spectators in close proximity - it will no longer be possible to stage the Rome E-Prix on April 4, 2020,” a statement read.

“Formula E, in agreement with the relevant authorities in Rome, EUR S.p.A and together with the FIA and Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), will work closely with the championship partners and stakeholders in order to assess and review alternative options to postpone the Rome E-Prix to a later date once restrictions have been lifted.”

The Rome E-Prix is the second Formula E race to be affected by COVID-19 outbreak, after the Chinese round in Sanya was shelved back in February.

Its postponement means there will now be a seven-week gap between the Marrakesh E-Prix (February 29) and the Paris E-Prix, which is due to be held on April 18.