COVID-19 Cancels Japanese Formula One Grand Prix

Formula One's Japanese Grand Prix has been canceled for the second straight year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the race venue's operator, Mobilityland Corp., announced Wednesday, according to a Kyodo News report.

Photo Insert: The Suzuka Grand Prix

"We have decided to cancel the 2021 FIA F1 World Championship Honda Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled to be held at Suzuka Circuit from Oct. 8 to 10," a statement on the company's website said.

According to the statement, the decision was unavoidable with entry restrictions making it difficult for overseas teams and officials to enter Japan ahead of the race in central Japan's Mie Prefecture despite strenuous efforts by organizers to coordinate with various agencies and authorities to make this year's event possible.

Japan has been experiencing a surge in infections and patients in severe condition since mid-July.

"It was a very painful, frustrating and disappointing decision. We were preparing to hold the F1 Japan Grand Prix for the first time in two years, but we had no choice but to cancel it," Mobilityland President Kaoru Tanaka said.

With engine supplier. Honda Motor Co. due to leave Formula 1 after this season, the race at the company's home track was expected to make the race special, while there were high hopes for a big race from 21-year-old Yuki Tsunoda, Japan's first F1 driver in seven years.

"It was an extremely disappointing decision to cancel the F1 Japanese Grand Prix for the second consecutive year, but from this moment we will start preparing for next year's F1 Japanese Grand Prix," Tanaka said.

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