Formula One plans to start its delayed 2020 season without spectators in Austria in July before ending in Abu Dhabi in December, chairman and CEO Chase Carey said on Monday.

The first race of the season will take place at the Red Bull Ring on the July 3-5 weekend.

The French Grand Prix at the southern Le Castellet circuit in June has been cancelled, becoming the 10th race to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organisers also confirmed July’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone will take place without spectators.

“We’re targeting a start to racing in Europe through July, August and beginning of September, with the first race taking place in Austria on 3-5 July weekend,” Carey said in a statement.

“September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races.”

Carey said the calendar had yet to be finalised and it was expected initial races would take place behind closed doors.

But with income slashed and the smaller teams desperate for revenue, that is considered a necessary step to ensure survival.

“Given the evolution of the situation linked to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the French Grand Prix takes note of the decisions announced by the French State making it impossible to maintain our event,” said French GP managing director Eric Boullier.

Carey said it was disappointing but “we fully support the decision taken by the French authorities in France and look forward to being back at Paul Ricard soon”.

France has banned major events until the middle of July and also imposed travel restrictions.

The British Grand Prix, a home race for most of the 10 teams as well as Mercedes’ six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, remains on for July 19 but behind closed doors.

“I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year’s British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone,” said the circuit’s managing director, Stuart Pringle, in a message to fans.

“We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the Government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a Grand Prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.

“Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event … means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make,” he added.