The FIA has indicated it’s prepared to form changes to its calendar of motor racing events, potentially including Formula 1, in response to the spread of the coronavirus throughout China.
China has reported over 7,000 cases spread across the country, and 170 deaths attributed to the virus. it’s believed to possess originated within the city of Wuhan, which has been closed off in an attempt to contain the outbreak.
Formula E is thanks to visiting Sanya, an island some 700 kilometers south of Wuhan, for a race on March 21st. Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix is going to be held at the Shanghai International Circuit, 500km east of Wuhan, from April 17th-19th. Shanghai also will host other FIA-sanctioned GT races later within the year, and therefore, the World phaeton Cup is thanks to visiting Ningbo in September.
“Following the coronavirus epidemic that broke call at China at the start of the year, the FIA is closely monitoring the evolving situation with relevant authorities and its member clubs, under the direction of FIA Medical Commission President, Professor Gerard Saillant,” said the FIA during a statement.
“The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming races and, if necessary, take any action required to assist protect the worldwide motorsport community and, therefore, the wider public.”
The virus has already had an impression on other international sports. The International Ski Federation has canceled the downhill and super-G races, which were thanks to happening on February 15th and 16th in Yanqing. The planet Indoor Athletics Championship in Nanjing, which was scheduled for March 13th to 15th, has been postponed by a year.
The potential spread of the virus beyond China’s borders can also prove a priority. The town of Hanoi, which is thanks to hosting its first Grand Prix on April 5th, lies on the brink of Vietnam’s northern border with China.
The last time a scheduled F1 race didn’t plow ahead for love or money aside from contractual reasons was in 2011 when the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix was postponed and later canceled for security reasons after a month-long protest within the capital was forcibly suppressed.
