As it stands, the Canadian Grand Prix is scheduled to finally get the 2020 Formula One season underway.

However, with no real end to the coronavirus crisis in sight, it is entirely possible that the Montreal event could become the latest postponement or cancellation.

Though the event takes place on a semi-permanent circuit which doesn't require the lead-in time of street tracks like Monaco or Baku, the promoter in Montreal admits that a decision is needed sooner rather than later.

"We would have to make a decision by Easter weekend," said promoter Francois Dumontier in a media briefing. "If the situation has improved by then, we could have the site ready on schedule.

"We're in a better position than Monaco or Baku where they race through the city streets and have to build a track," he added. "We have the track. We're optimistic but we also know things change by the hour, so we're also realistic."

At a time Chase Carey is still hoping to hold 15 - 18 races, Dumontier, admits that is the Montreal race cannot be held in June as scheduled, he would look to postpone the event rather than cancel it like China and Monaco.

"We must completely forget the current F1 calendar," he said. "Countries will change dates. We will have to make certain concessions, or accommodations.

"Obviously, as we know, I will not be able to present the Canadian Grand Prix in November in Montreal. It has to be within the months that allow it, we would be talking about the end of summer, or the beginning of fall."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Egalitarian, 26/03/2020 23:08

"I agree with NS Biker. As much as I would like to see the cancellation of 2020 for the right reasons, and they are the right reasons (Superbird70), the idea that 10 healthy teams might return is, I suspect, not likely.
Perhaps all of the teams could indeed have some virtual racing and draw in some sponsorship there. That said, any $ generated would not likely employ Merc/Ferrari/RedBull's >300 people in supporting it - although, there could be some brilliant simulation code developed. It's a good thing Germany's car manufacturers don't use software to do the wrong thing."

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2. Posted by NS Biker, 26/03/2020 20:55

"Yeah ... November would be great. Freeze the heck out of that pesky virus. There might be a few new bumps in the road to contend with.
Likely as not, the issue will not be getting the track ready, but getting international travel organized and accepted by all the affected countries. That will be the tough part.
Cancelling the 2020 season ... still a potential, but there wouldn't be 10 teams coming back next year. More like 8 and many of the technical staff at the teams will be off to other jobs. We need at least some form of a season to hold it all together."

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3. Posted by Rock Doc, 26/03/2020 18:47

"Why not November??? The cars can put those snow plow front wings to good use for once and Kimi can demonstrate his ice racing skills."

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4. Posted by Superbird70, 26/03/2020 13:51

"Please, please, please, cancel the rest of the season. Focus on bringing back 10 healthy teams next year. Pushing ahead at all costs is a recipe for disaster. The big teams, manufacturers and the FIA need to step up where F1 management won't. "

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Canada GP decision needed imminently

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