IndyCar opener at St Peterburg to run behind closed doors

IndyCar officials have confirmed its 2020 opening round at St Petersburg will be closed to spectators as part of its coronavirus measures.

With coronavirus prevention methods coming into action across the United States, including banning non-US citizens from travelling from Europe, the motorsport world has seen its racing calendar shakem-up by health precautions.

NASCAR has already banned fans from the Atlanta and Homestead races, while IMSA has postponed its 12 Hours of Sebring from March 15 until November 11-14 when it will host the 2020 finale. The World Endurance Championship has also cancelled its Sebring 1000 mile race scheduled for next week.

IndyCar has duly announced its opening round at St Petersburg will be run behind closed doors.

“IndyCar and Green Savoree Racing Promotions, in conjunction with the city of St. Petersburg, announced Thursday that all activities surrounding Sunday's season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be closed to spectators and limited to essential personnel only,” an IndyCar statement confirmed.

“This protocol is being put in place to protect the health and welfare of the fans, drivers, teams, workers and officials, as we mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

“The race weekend will operate from Friday through Sunday, with INDYCAR on-track sessions limited to Saturday and Sunday.

“The activities also include Road To Indy, IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup, and SRO Motorsports Group America on a condensed schedule.”

While the schedule of the 2020 IndyCar opening round is subject to changes, the race weekend is expected to go ahead as planned before the series heads to Barber on April 5.