The Formula Renault Eurocup season opener at Monza has been cancelled, with a return to Hockenheim later in the season added in its place.

As a result of the spread of coronavirus, areas of Italy have been quarantined – including the district that holds Monza.

Formula Scout reported on the likely cancellation of the Italian round last month after Stephane Ratel Organisation, which organises GT World Challenge Europe that the Eurocup was set to support, made provisions for a replacement round at Imola.

Renault has instead opted to race at Hockenheim as a support to the DTM touring car series.

?Despite the disappointment of not going to Monza and Italy, the health and security of our competitors is our number one priority, both on and off the track. We thus support the cancellation of the meeting” said Renault Sport commercial racing director Benoit Nogier.

“We would like to thank SRO Motorsports Group for the transparency they have demonstrated in the exchanges with the public authorities and we are extremely grateful to the various parties who have allowed us to evaluate alternative options.?

The Hockenheim round will be the eighth of the season on October 2-4, and maintain the championship’s tally of 10 Formula 1 venues on the calendar. Silverstone will now become the season opening round, on May 8-10.

Hockenheim had initially been removed from the schedule in place of returning circuit Zandvoort, which last appeared on the Eurocup calendar in 2000.

Pre-season testing kicks off later this week at Valencia Ricardo Tormo and Barcelona, and concludes at Paul Ricard at the end of the month.