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F1 brings summer break forward to accommodate disrupted race calendar

Mar 19, 2020

Formula 1's summer break has been moved forward from August, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Following unanimous agreement, the 'break' will be held between now and April, with teams choosing a three-week period in that time to close. 

It is normally held in August, when teams shut down for two weeks. 

The change, which has already been approved by the World Motor Sport Council, is made to facilitate fitting in as many races as possible, once the season starts. 

Further changes are expected in the coming weeks, as F1 officials work on plans for a new 2020 calendar, with a reduced number of races from the 22 originally scheduled.

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Can't please everyone over decision on Tokyo 2020

The IOC says it has held "constructive" talks with athlete representatives, following complaints over plans to proceed with Tokyo 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Several athletes earlier accused the IOC of putting them "in danger", by insisting it remains fully committed to the Games. 

However, the committee assures its main priorities are safeguarding the health of the athletes, and contributing to the containment of the virus, among others. 

It adds that it of course, cannot come up with an ideal solution that satisfies all parties involved, but it IS committed to finding a solution with the least negative impact for the athletes, while protecting the integrity of the competition, which is why it’s counting on all athletes to practise self-isolation, as they continue to prepare for the Games.

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Tennis clay-court season ruled out after further suspensions

The ATP and WTA have announced a further suspension of tennis events scheduled up until June 7th, due to the coronavirus pandemic, ruling out the entire clay-court season.

The news comes just a day after the French Open was pushed back from May to September, one week after the end of the US Open.

It has also been confirmed that all men's and women's rankings have been frozen until further notice.