Formula Renault Eurocup testing cancelled as Spanish authorities close circuit

Renault Sport has announced that the second Formula Renault Eurocup pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been cancelled.

Driver Ugo de Wilde at the first pre-season test at Valencia.

Drivers had just completed the first Formula Renault Eurocup test session at Valencia, and were due to move to the second test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Brazilian Caio Collet set the fastest time in the first test, followed by Russian Michael Belov and French driver Victor Martins.

As the global spread of coronavirus reaches pandemic levels, Spain is the worst-affected country in Europe after Italy, and the nation is due to lockdown on Saturday in a “State of Alert”—reducing travel and cancelling public events.

Renault Sport announced that the second Formula Renault Eurocup test was cancelled after Spanish authorities closed the circuit.

Aussies Jackson Walls and Tommy Smith immediately left Spain to avoid the nationwide lockdown.

Renault Sport Series official statement

Following the decision that was made by the Minister of the Interior of Catalunya, the Formula Renault Eurocup pre-season tests scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya have been cancelled.

The closure of the circuit is part of the measures taken by public authorities in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. Renault Sport Racing have taken action following that decision, and will continue to follow the evolving situation.