FIA provide update amid coronavirus fears

Mark Scott
Chinese Grand Prix: coronavirus threat

Chinese Grand Prix

The FIA are ready to “take any action” necessary as the coronavirus threatens to cancel the Chinese Grand Prix in April.

The Shanghai race is pencilled in for April 19, but doubts are increasing over whether it will go ahead as the deadly virus continues to spread at a rapid rate in China and reach new countries around the globe.

Dr Sergio Brusin, a senior expert at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in Stockholm, told The Guardian on Wednesday that there is little confidence the race will take place as planned.

Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, are monitoring the situation closely and will ensure that the health and safety of everyone is of paramount importance when making a decision.

The full FIA statement read: ‘Following the coronavirus epidemic that broke out in China at the beginning 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 Gérard Saillant.

‘The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming races and, if necessary, take any action required to help protect the global motor sport community and the wider public.’

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