Washington (AFP)
IndyCar confirmed on Thursday that its 2020 season will begin on June 6 on the Texas Motor Speedway circuit for a night race without audience, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The IndyCar season should have started on March 15 in St. Petersburg, Florida, but the race had to be postponed, as did the Indianapolis 500 Miles, the major meeting of the season, scheduled for May 24, but postponed to August 23.
For the opening of the season in Texas, the Fort Worth Grand Prix has been shortened and will be played in 200 rounds of 2.32 km oval, against 248 rounds previously planned.
Security measures have been taken in consultation with the public health authorities, concerning the limitation of personnel on site, the presence of health information screens, protective equipment for all participants and the implementation of protocols of strict social distancing.
The plan "will ensure the safety of participants in our event while allowing an exciting return to competition," said IndyCar President Jay Frye.
© 2020 AFP