During the rapidly developing Corona Virus (COVID-19) global pandemic, TJ13 recently reported over the weekend that Ross Brawn and Formula 1 management (Liberty Media) along with the FIA had earmarked the Monaco Grand Prix to start the season off in May.
This is now under serious doubt, as yet more restrictions place in doubt the principality’s ability to hold the event. The Government of Monaco decided on Saturday 14th March to shut down non-essential public spaces.
Like France, the Principality of Monaco has had to adapt to the exceptional situation faced with the coronavirus epidemic, particularly after detecting four new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
“Faced with the progression of the covid-19 epidemic in the countries bordering the Principality, the Princely Government, on the instructions of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, has decided to close from midnight on Saturday 14 March, and until further notice, places open to the public, which are not essential to the life of the country. ” the Monegasque government announced this weekend.
“Food shops and markets, pharmacies, tobacco and press offices, petrol stations and banks will remain open,
“All other commercial establishments (including restaurants, casinos, cafés, theatres, cinemas and discos) will be required to apply this measure.”
Preparations for the Monaco Grand Prix could well be impacted by these measures, as the Monaco circuit is not a permanent track. Every year, crews have to “rebuild” the street circuit of Monaco: pit lane, safety rails, grandstands, temporary building for the race directors.
It is not known at the moment whether the various companies in charge of the preparations for the Monaco Grand Prix have received specific instructions, but a press briefing from the Monegasque government is due to take place this Monday evening in the Principality.
However, it should be recalled that last week the Automobile Club de Monaco, which manages the event, confirmed that preparations for the Monaco 2020 Grand Prix had got off to a good start despite the current enforced restrictions now in place.
With the global situation changing daily, it’s looking very unlikely the Grand Prix in Monaco would ever be built in time for the scheduled date of the race.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
