Delays to construction work at the Adria International Raceway have forced the venue to lose its place as the host of the season finale of the FIA World Touring Car Cup.
The circuit – which was set to host a WTCR event for the first time – has undergone a large renovation project this year, however new COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have delayed the progress of vital construction work.
As such, the Italian track will be unable to host any event on the planned weekend of 14/15 November, leading to a late calendar shake-up for not only the WTCR, but for three other local support categories as well.
On top of that, Adria had been set to host the first ever showcase event for the new PURE ETCR electric touring car series. In light of this latest news, that showcase will now likely take place alongside the WTCR at whichever replacement venue is chosen instead.
But with no official word yet on where that might be, WTCR’s promoter Eurosport Events will need to find somewhere new to stage its title-deciding weekend at very short notice.
In an official statement, Eurosport Events said: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on the progress of the construction of the track extension, we acknowledge that Adria International Raceway is not in a position to host WTCR Race of Italy from 13-15 November as planned.
“The decision has been made following the official inspection of the track extension yesterday.
“Eurosport Events is working with the FIA on different options for the final round of the 2020 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup on the same date. Details of the venue will be announced as soon as possible.”