Formula E cancel second race of the season due to coronavirus as Rome E-Prix is called off

All-electric series has already cancelled the Sanya E-Prix in China and will now look to reschedule the April event in Rome later in the year

Formula E have called off a second race due to the coronavirus outbreak after the Rome E-Prix was postponed indefinitely.

Having already been forced to cancel the Sanya E-Prix in China, organisers confirmed that the scheduled seventh round of the season on 4 April will no longer go ahead.

Talks to reschedule the race will not start until the restrictions – imposed by the Italian government on large-scale sporting events – are lifted, resulting in more disruption to the Formula E calendar.

A Formula E statement read: “As a consequence of the ongoing health emergency in Italy and according to the provisions set out in the ministerial decree concerning measures to counteract and contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country – which includes sporting events with large crowds and spectators in close proximity - it will no longer be possible to stage the Rome E-Prix on April 4, 2020.

“Formula E, in agreement with the relevant authorities in Rome, EUR S.p.A and together with the FIA and Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI), will work closely with championship partners and stakeholders in order to assess and review alternative options to postpone the Rome E-Prix to a later date once restrictions have been lifted.

“All ticket holders will be contacted through the appropriate channels in the coming days.”

Italy has been the hardest-hit European nation following the coronavirus outbreak, with more than 3,000 positive cases and 107 deaths. Schools and universities have been closed until at least 15 March, while all Serie A football matches will take place behind closed doors for the next month.

This Saturday’s Six Nations rugby match between Italy and England, which was scheduled to take place in Rome, has been postponed indefinitely.