COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the motorsport world, with the opening round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship the latest casualty.
The opening round of the championship, South India Rally, has been postponed from March 20-22, to June 19-21 in view of the escalation of the virus.
Organisers the Madras Motor Sports Club were on-track to open the 2020 series with the highest number of entrants to the series in more than a decade.
The South India Rally also doubles up as a round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and the FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship (4-wheelers).
Chairman of the event, Mr Vicky Chandhok, who is also the president of APRC Working Group, said: “After much discussion internally, and following the lockdown in various States and territories across India, besides travel advisories and restrictions on public assembly, we have decided to postpone South India Rally to June 19-21.
“We were confident of running the event on schedule as we had put in place all measures and infrastructure complying with Government of India’s health advisories to provide a safe environment to all the stakeholders. However, developments in the past couple of days forced us to rethink and decide on postponing South India Rally.”
The series second round, New Zealand's Otago Rally (3-5 April), is still scheduled to proceed although is likely to only include local teams.
The decision comes just a day after the opening round of the Australian Rally Championship in Canberra was postponed, and the WRC Rally Mexico was shortened by a day.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
