Berlin E-Prix impacted as June becomes ‘red flag’ month

Formula E has announced the Berlin E-Prix will no longer take place on the original date after June was given a ‘red flag’ under the championship’s flag system.

Announced earlier in the year as a response to the coronavirus global pandemic, the flag system categorised months by flag colours with red flags meaning no races would be run.

The Berlin E-Prix was scheduled to be held on June 21 but with May and June now being deemed ‘red flag’ months, this race will no longer go ahead on this date.

July has been changed to ‘yellow flag’ status, meaning it can host events if the situation stabilises.

This could impact the London E-Prix scheduled for July 25-26 at the ExCel Arena. The race is currently scheduled to go ahead, although the ExCel has recently been converted into the NHS Nightingale Hospital as part of the UK government’s response to Covid-19.

A statement by Formula E said: “Formula E and the FIA continue to use its flag-based system to determine the status of each race. A red flag representing that no races will happen, a yellow flag indicating a time window to potentially restart racing and a green flag meaning we are ready to race again.

“We can now confirm that red flags have been applied to the months of May and June, meaning the Berlin E-Prix can no longer take place as originally planned on June 21.

“July has now become a yellow flag month, with the opportunity to host events or reschedule races remaining open should the coronavirus situation stabilise.

“We aim to return to racing as soon as possible, but our priority in all decision-making must be the health and safety of our staff and the entire Formula E community of teams, manufacturers, partners, drivers and fans, as well as the citizens and residents of the cities in which we race.

“We are assessing all available options in order to finish the season with the highest number of races possible. This contingency planning continues to explore staging races behind closed doors, using permanent track facilities, introducing new double headers and extending the season beyond its original end date.”