The FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 championships are placed on hold

14 March 2020/ smp

SMP Racing drivers Robert Shwartzman and Alexander Smolyar will start their debut seasons in Formula 2 and Formula 3 later than planned due to the postponement of the first round of both championships, which was to be held on March 21-22 in Bahrain.

On Friday, March 13, the organizers of the Formula 2 and Formula 3 championships announced that they are joining the Formula 1 decision to postpone the competitions scheduled in Bahrain in the upcoming week. A new date for the first rounds of Formula 2 and Formula 3 will be announced at a later date.

“We’re sorry we have to postpone our opening Round at the Bahrain International Circuit,” the Director General of Formula 2 and Formula 3 Bruno Michel said. “Of course the safety of everyone in our paddock and the fans has to come first. We conducted our pre-season tests at Sakhir and we’re looking forward to racing there as soon as possible. We will communicate a revised 2020 F2 and F3 calendar later.”

“Of course, I am disappointed with this news, but I understand that this is the best solution, because it is safer for everyone,” Robert Shwartzman said. “We all have to stay home and continue to train in order to be ready for the start of the season.”
“It’s a bit of pity that I won’t be able to drive a Formula 3 car in the upcoming week, but for me this is not a problem, because I think that health should always be a priority,” Alexander Smolyar added. “Indeed, even if the race were held without spectators, still a lot of people work in the paddock. And in such a situation, the chance that someone will get sick is high enough. Therefore, I completely agree with the decision of the organizers to cancel the first round and not endanger people. I hope the situation with this virus gets better as soon as possible.”

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