Formula E Officially Canceled Due To Corona

Formula E Racing (Instagram / @ fiaformulae)

JAKARTA - After considering for some time, the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan officially postponed the implementation of Formula E in Jakarta. This step was taken as an effort to prevent the transmission of the corona virus or COVID-19.

The postponement of Formula E, which should be held on June 6, is stated in the letter of the Governor of DKI Number 117 / -1.857.73 This letter is addressed to the Jakarta E-Prix Organizing Committee on March 9, 2020.

"Because we put health and safety as top priorities, we said that we would postpone the implementation of Formula E in June," said Anies at the City Hall of DKI, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, March 11.

Anies Baswedan announced the cancellation of Formula E (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

However, Anies admitted that he did not know when the electric-powered racing event could be held again. Although, currently DKI Pemprov has prepared construction and has paid a commitment fee of Rp360 billion.

However, Anies is not worried about the potential loss. This is because, he said, as long as Formula E is still running during the 5-year contract period, the commitment fee will not be forfeited. "Nothing was forfeited from the Formula E commitment fee, because this (agreement) is a single year," said Anies.

Furthermore, Anies's strong reason for postponing the Formula E title was to prevent more and more citizens from contracting the corona virus. Because, this emission-free car racing competition presents racers and teams from various countries.

It is feared that Formula E participants and foreign tourists who will come to Jakarta will carry a virus that has spread throughout the world.

"Formula E is an activity attended by international tourists. The risks that may occur are too great for Jakarta, if tourists come from a country that has a corona virus case. We don't want to sacrifice the safety of citizens," explained Anies.

Previously, the Jakarta E-Prix Operational Committee (OC) Communication Director, Felicia Idama, said that she had coordinated with Formula E Operations (FEO).

They agreed to continue monitoring the progress of the situation first. However, Felicia did not deny that the virus outbreak from China had affected preparations.

Formula E cancellation letter (Special)

"We agreed to wait and see. We will monitor its progress because the Corona virus was detected in Indonesia only 1-2 ago. We will see its progress because the event is still held in June," Felicia said on Wednesday, March 4.

Two Formula E races have also been postponed. The Shanghai, China series, which was scheduled to be held on March 21, has been canceled. Meanwhile, the series Rome, Italy on April 4 was also canceled.