The opening round of the Australian Formula Ford season will not go ahead as a result of the cancellation of the Victorian State Round it was set to run on.

The series was set to compete at Winton across the March 27-29 weekend with initial indications that it would proceed as normal amid the coronavirus pandemic.

However, a statement posted on the circuit’s Facebook page has announced the underlying event has now been called off.

“As we are all aware there has and will continue to be rapid changes in regard to the COVID – 19 virus and Government regulations that follow,” said the statement.

“As of this morning, we have been advised that the Victorian State Round on March 28th and 29th has been cancelled.

“We understand and appreciate the difficult decision that has had to be made and hope to work with Vic State again in the near future.”

An statement from the Formula Ford Association confirmed the cancellation.

“The Formula Ford Association Inc. is disappointed to announce the cancellation of round 1 of the 2020 Australian Formula Ford Championship at Winton Motor Raceway,” it said.

“The 2020 Australian Formula Ford Championship was due to join the 2020 Victorian Formula Ford Championship at Winton on March 27-29.

“At present, we are not sure how the current situation will affect the remaining rounds of the championship, with round 2 due to join the Victorian Formula Ford grid at Phillip Island on May 15-17.”