Agag says F1 and FE have “50-50 chance” of going racing

Formula 1 and Formula E have a “50-50 chance” of going racing this year, according to the electric series’ founder and CEO Alejandro Agag.

Formula E and F1’s schedules have been heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with both championships currently observing a suspension to racing until the situation improves.

Formula E’s 2019-2020 campaign began in November and completed five races before the coronavirus crisis hit, while F1’s season has failed to get off the ground with the opening 10 races postponed or cancelled altogether.

Both series hope to get their respective campaigns underway in July and Agag believes F1 is doing “the right thing” by aiming to start the season with a number of behind closed door races, beginning with the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5.

"We are going to try the same thing. We are going to try to put some races behind closed doors," the Spaniard told Reuters.

"I guess it's a 50-50 chance. The same for us.”

Formula E finds itself in a slightly better position compared to F1 due to a logistical advantage and greater flexibility regarding its calendar, which could stretch into September if required with only a few more races needed to validate a championship season.

However, it still finds itself with the same challenges regarding current travel restrictions and social distancing measures enforced across the globe.

"We will try and make at least two or three more races in a closed circuit. I think that should be possible in the month of August. But again, who knows?," Agag explained.

"I'm thinking 90% they will be in Europe. We still have an option outside of Europe that we're looking at, that is still alive, but we will decide later on.

"Are the borders going to be open? We don't know yet. The quarantine period if you go to one place being imposed we don't know yet.

"So I would try to do what Formula 1 is doing, but I am not sure if it is doable.”

Agag also revealed he is in talks with multiple circuits in the UK including Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park about the possibility of hosting Formula E races this year.

London’s ExCel exhibition centre was scheduled to stage the 2019-2020 season finale with a double-header, although that looks increasingly unlikely after the venue was transformed into a temporary hospital to treat coronavirus patients.