After government announcements, the French GP threatened?

Will the French Grand Prix open the 2020 season? Formula 1 at the end of June? 

After the announcement last week of the postponement of the Canadian event, the Castellet round, 10th in the initial program, finds itself in pole position to launch a campaign already severely disrupted in its progress by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In light of the measures presented this Monday evening by Emmanuel Macron, the arrival of F1 players on the Castellet plateau may seem compromised. As expected for several days, the Head of State confirmed that strict confinement would be extended in France until Monday May 11.

It will be followed by a gradual deconfinement, with widespread mask wearing and increased testing capacity. 

Gathering places such as cafes, restaurants and cinemas will remain closed until mid-July. Major festivals and other sporting events in the summer will be prohibited over the same period.

Finally, the borders with non-European countries remain closed until further notice, which could pose a problem in terms of logistics. 

In these circumstances: what about the French GP, scheduled for the end of June? 

Contacted last week by AUTOhebdo, its promoters told us that they were already studying several options, including cancellation, postponement, and organization of the event behind closed doors. The Public Interest Group has already clarified that tickets purchased will be refunded if the meeting does not take place or is held without spectators.   

In one of his last official communications, Ross Brawn, F1 sporting director, affirmed that a calendar of 19 dates remained possible if the 2020 season starts at the beginning of July, probably in Europe and behind closed doors.