SRO has decided to cancel the opening round of the 2020 World Challenge Europe season at Monza due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

It released a statement this morning which reads:

“The GT World Challenge Europe round scheduled to take place at Monza on 17-19 April has been cancelled due to ongoing concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). In light of the current situation in Italy, the cancellation is considered to be a case of force majeure.

“The contingency plan outlined by SRO Motorsports Group last month will now be put into place. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will hold the fifth and final round of the Endurance Cup on 9-11 October, while Imola will be added to the calendar to stage the closing Sprint Cup event on 30 October-1 November.

“The cancellation also requires a change to the GT Sports Club Europe calendar, which is now set to begin at Circuit Paul Ricard on 29-30 May. The series then joins the GT World Challenge Europe support line-up at the Total 24 Hours of Spa (23-26 July), Nürburgring (4-6 September) and finally Imola. An alternative for the Lamborghini Super Trofeo support race which was also scheduled to take place at Monza will be announced in due course.

“Further details of the Imola event can also be confirmed. The Italian circuit will host the 2020 GT4 European Finals, a non-championship contest featuring a pair of qualifying races followed by a deciding main race. The KTM X-Bow GTX Cup will complete the weekend schedule.

“All other events are scheduled to proceed as planned. SRO will continue to monitor the global situation and provide updates if necessary.”