Martin FullardFormula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed the Chinese race will not go ahead as planned
The FIA has confirmed that the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, originally scheduled for 19 April, has been postponed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement released on 12 February, the sport’s governing body said 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 resulted the Grand Prix be postponed.
The statement read: “The FIA, together with Formula 1, have jointly decided to accept an 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.
The global situation regarding this virus will continue to be monitored by the FIA with regard to other motor sport events.”
A new date for the Grand Prix has not been announced. The inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix, due to take place two weeks prior on 5 April, is also at risk at of postponement.
Caption: Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen during qualifying for the 2019 Chinese Grand Prix | Credit: Wikicommons