AlphaTauri extends factory shutdown further two weeks

AlphaTauri has extended its shutdown at its Faenza factory until May 1 as Italy remains in lockdown.

The 2020 Formula 1 season is yet to get underway as the world’s health crisis has led to country’s shutting down.

At present the campaign could begin in early July with the Austrian GP as even though France has not postponed its grand prix, it is expected to given the country’s ban on mass gatherings.

The hiatus means the Formula 1 have little to do at present except debate when the season will begin.

As such AlphaTauri has announced that it will extend its shutdown for a further two weeks.

The team had hoped to open its doors this week but will now remain closed until May 1.

“Due to continuing difficulties caused by the Covid-19 worldwide pandemic and after consultation between the FIA, F1 and all the teams, we have decided to extend our current factory shutdown by a further two weeks, until 1st May 2020,” the team said on Twitter.

Due to continuing difficulties caused by the #Covid19 worldwide pandemic and after consultation between the @FIA, @F1 and all the teams, we have decided to extend our current factory shutdown by a further two weeks, until 1st May 2020. pic.twitter.com/R84FUVLmqN

— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) April 15, 2020

AlphaTauri won’t be alone in the extended shutdown with Ferrari also unable to operate in Italy.

As for Formula 1’s UK-based teams, many of them have furloughed staff until at least the end of May.

Last month the UK government launched an initiative to pay 80 percent of salaries for staff who are put on furlough by their employer, covering wages up to £2,500 per month in a bid to help companies prevent redundancies during the crisis.

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