Coronavirus restrictions have made it impossible for the big-ticket event to take place in September.

The global sporting world has been enduring unprecedented disruptions due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, with marquee events dropped and others like the Tokyo Summer Olympics postponed until next year. Sadly, for automotive fans based in Southeast Asia, the latest casualty is the much-awaited Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2020.

According to an announcement made today by race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd and Formula 1, current circumstances have forced organizers to cancel this year’s night races “due to the prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue required for a street race to be held in the city.” The statement elaborated that “building and construction work of the circuit, which normally commence in May, have not been able to commence. We are therefore unable to complete the race circuit infrastructure in time for the race to take place.” Also contributing to the decision were existing bans on mass gatherings in Singapore and travel restrictions imposed by countries all across the globe to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In the same statement, Singapore GP said it would automatically refund ticketholders within 30 business days, and giving them the option to rollover their ticket to next year’s event. Most ticketholders will be contacted directly with further information, but those who have purchased tickets via SGP’s authorized partners will need to contact them for refunds.

The Singapore night races have been a mainstay of the annual F1 circuit ever since they began in 2008, drawing the finest drivers in the car-racing world to the Lion City, along with a star-studded lineup of artists to perform at the trackside concerts and parties. For the moment, Formula 1 fans in Singapore can still look forward to exciting programs in the coming months as momentum build ups to next year’s races.

More information here.