Chinese Grand Prix postponed over coronavirus fears
The Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled to be held in mid-April, has been postponed in light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in the country.
The Chinese Grand Prix is officially off for now, following confirmation from the FIA that the race will not go ahead as planned due to the outbreak of the coronavirus in the Wuhan region in China.
The race at Shanghai International Circuit was scheduled to take place in mid-April, but has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as the coronavirus spread in China, leading the Shanghai Sports Federation to recommend the suspension of all sporting events.
Following an application from the promoter of the Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai’s Juss Sports Group, the FIA and Formula 1 agreed to a postponement of the race. A rescheduling hasn’t been confirmed, with the FIA saying ‘all parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.’
The coronavirus, which has been formally named COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation, has claimed the lives of over 1000 people – most of whom are on the Chinese mainland. Over 40,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, with more cases emerging every day.
The full statement from the FIA said:
“In view of the continued spread of novel coronavirus and after ongoing discussions with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People’s Republic of China (CAMF) and Shanghai Administration of Sports, the Chinese Grand Prix Promoter, Juss Sports Group, has officially requested that the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix be postponed.
The FIA, together with the Formula 1, have jointly decided to accept this official request from the promoter and postpone the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, originally scheduled for 19 April.
As a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency, the FIA and Formula 1 have taken these measures in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains of primary concern.
The FIA and Formula 1 continue to work closely with the teams, race promoter, CAMF and the local authorities to monitor the situation as it develops. All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.
The Chinese Grand Prix has long been an important part of the F1 calendar with many passionate fans. The FIA F1 community looks forward to racing in China as soon as possible and wishes everyone in the country the best during this difficult time.”
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