adminFORMULA 1 yesterday announced that due to the ongoing global situation regarding COVID-19 the Heineken F1 Joburg Festival due to take place on March 29 has been postponed to protect the safety of all fans and participants attending the event.
Formula 1, together with Heineken, SAGP and the Gauteng Province remain committed to bringing the excitement of F1 back to South Africa and any decision on a rescheduling will be made at the right time from a public safety perspective.
Ellie Norman, Director of Marketing & Communications said: “Following the announcement from the World Health Organisation categorising COVID-19 as a pandemic earlier this week, we have made the unfortunate decision to postpone the festival. Our fans health and safety is paramount and whist we know this decision will be disappointing for our fans we believe this is the right decision at this time. We would like to thank all our partners and those involved in making the event happen, and we are fully committed to returning to bring the excitement of F1 back to South Africa.”
Warren Scheckter, CEO of SAGP, backed the decision:
“Although everyone will be very disappointed, given the current situation regarding COVID-19, the decision to postpone the F1 Joburg Festival is the appropriate course of action. Hopefully it won’t be long before circumstances are such that we are able to reschedule the event, and we look forward to working with Formula 1 and Gauteng Province in our continued efforts to bring Formula 1 back to South Africa.”
Morakane Mosupyoe, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development said: “We understand and support the postponement of the F1 Joburg Festival, given the prevailing circumstances. Gauteng remains committed to the F1 Joburg Festival, and we look forward to being the destination partner of the event in due course, in line with our provincial drive to use the hosting of quality business, sporting and lifestyle events as a catalyst for socio-economic growth, job creation and destination marketing efforts to grow Gauteng together.”
The organisers said all the fans who had purchased tickets for the event will be offered a full refund. – Wires
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