(Motorsport-Total.com) – The FIA has found replacements for the two cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – at least in Formula 2. The highest junior series below the premier class, which would have been on the support program for Formula 1 on both weekends, will now make up the two events in Miami and Montreal.
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Without the two replacement races, Formula 2 would otherwise have had a three-month break between the season opener in Melbourne at the beginning of March and the second round of the season in Monaco at the beginning of June. In addition, the calendar would have dropped from 14 to twelve weekends.
“Although it was not possible to hold the two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia this month – and we look forward to being back with our passionate fans there as soon as possible – it is great news for our fans, the drivers and the teams that Formula 2 will be competing in Miami and Montreal,” says Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali.
“Bruno (Michel, series CEO; editor’s note) and the entire F2 family have done a great job working closely with us, the FIA and the promoters in Miami and Montreal to ensure that we limit the racing break in this season’s championship.
“It will be fantastic to resume racing in a few weeks and have Formula 2 alongside Formula 1 as we return to the USA for the first time this season,” said the Italian.
First F2 races in North America
For Formula 2, it will be the first trip to the North American continent. While no traditional support series are on the program in Miami, the championship in Canada shares the support bill with the F1 Academy, which could lead to a tight schedule.
Because in addition to practice and qualifying, it was recently announced that the women’s series will hold three races over the weekend – Formula 2 will run a sprint race and a feature race alongside practice and qualifying.
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“Bringing the championship to North America for the first time via Miami and Montreal marks an important step in its continued global growth, strengthening the path alongside Formula 1 and reaching new audiences,” says FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem. “I thank all those who have worked tirelessly to make these race weekends possible.”
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“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the ongoing events in the Middle East, and we continue to hope for a swift return to stability. We look forward to racing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia again very soon.”
What cancelled races would have meant
For Formula 2, it was important that the cancelled dates were compensated – even if the trip to North America is likely to drive up costs. Because unlike in Formula 1, drivers in the junior series have to pay money to be allowed to drive for the teams.
In Formula 2, this can be more than three million euros depending on the cockpit. Drivers at this level depend on sponsors, and many who are not placed in a Formula 1 academy have to find them themselves – and fewer races naturally mean less value for their money. And potentially trouble with sponsors.
“Following the necessary calendar changes at the start of the season, the addition of these new rounds ensures that the Formula 2 championship remains strong and balanced and can deliver for our teams, drivers and fans,” Sulayem emphasizes.
No replacement in F1, F3 and F1 Academy
However, this does not apply to Formula 3. The series will not have the cancelled weekend in Bahrain replaced and will only compete again as part of the Monaco Grand Prix. Its calendar thus drops from ten to nine weekends.
The F1 Academy is not affected by the cancellations, as it would not have been on the support program in either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia anyway.
In Formula 1, too, there will be no replacement dates for the race-free April, even if those involved will have to accept some financial losses. With 22 races, the TV contracts will still be fulfilled, and there is simply no room in the calendar for an additional race in the autumn.
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