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Picture Credit: MotorSport Images

In a major development, Formula 1 has announced that the 2021 Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled. The race organisers have cited "ongoing complexities" related to the Coronavirus pandemic as the reason for the decision to not go ahead with the race. The race was also called off last year owing to the Coronavirus situation and was supposed to happen in mid-October. This was set to be the third event in a planned triple-header following the Russian Grand Prix and the rescheduled Turkish GP.

However, on Wednesday morning, it was made clear that the race scheduled at the Suzuka circuit would not be going ahead. The announcement is also a setback since Japan successfully hosted Tokyo 2020 and it was expected that it could pull of the Japanese GP.

Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar

"Following ongoing discussions with the promoter and authorities in Japan the decision has been taken by the Japanese government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country," a statement from Formula 1 read.

"Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks," it added.

"Formula 1 has proven this year, and in 2020, that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainties and is excited by the level of interest in locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond," the statement further said.

The official social media handle of Formula was quick to leave a message for its fans, not only in English but also in the local language.

"To our amazing Japanese fans, we are sad we can't race with you this year. We can't wait to see you again in 2022

日本の素晴らしいファンのみなさんへ

残念ながら、今年は日本でレースを行うことができなくなりました。2022年にみなさんにお会いすることを楽しみにしています。," read one of their earliest tweets.

They also added that they are waiting eagerly to host the race next year in 2022 and can't wait to put a show on for the Japanese fans.

"While we’re not racing in Japan this year…We can’t wait to put on a show for the Japanese fans in 2022!

2022年にはまた日本のファンのみなさんのためにレースを開催できることを楽しみにしています!" their post read.