F1 racing returning with double Grands Prix in Austria

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Twin Grands Prix in Austria this July will signal the return of Formula 1 racing with a revised 2020 calendar due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"Formula 1 today confirmed the 2020 season will begin in Austria next month -- and revealed details on the first eight races of a new calendar," organizers said Tuesday on the F1 website.

The Red Bull Ring in the city of Spielberg will host consecutive Grands Prix on July 5 and 12.

"We are pleased to be able to set out our opening eight race calendar today and look forward to publishing our full calendar in the coming weeks," said Chase Carey, the chairman and CEO of Formula 1.

The season is set to start behind closed doors due to the pandemic.

"While we currently expect the season to commence without fans at our races we hope that over the coming months the situation will allow us to welcome them back once it is safe to do, but we know the return of Formula 1 will be a welcome boost to sports fans around the world," Carey added.

The virus disrupted the Formula 1 this season, leaving 10 races postponed or canceled.

- The first 8 rounds in the 2020 season:

July 5: Austria

July 12: Austria

July 19: Hungary

Aug. 2: UK

Aug. 9: UK

Aug. 16: Spain

Aug. 30: Belgium

Sept. 6: Italy