China postponed…but what about Vietnam?
Mock released pic of Vietnam circuit
Following the postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix on April 19, attentions now turn to bordering Vietnam amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Vietnam authorities has locked down the commune of Son Loi, an area which covers villages where 10,000 people reside, is just 40km away from the capital Hanoi – where the first-ever Vietnamese Grand Prix is due to be held on April 5.
“As of February 13, 2020, we will urgently implement the task of isolation and quarantine of the epidemic area in Son Loi commune,” read the health ministry statement.
“The timeline is for 20 days”.
Vietnam currently has just 15 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, but the newly-enforced quarantine has sparked fresh health concerns over those travelling to and from the country.
The FIA has said they will “continue to monitor the global situation with regard to other motor sport events” while a Formula 1 spokesperson added at this stage, “we can only confirm that Vietnam is on the schedule”.
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was quizzed about whether the Vietnam race will go ahead on Danish channel TV2.
“We’ll have to see,” Magnussen said.
“Vietnam is right before China [on the schedule], so we’ll have to keep an eye on that too.
“It’s a pity, but it does mean a mini-holiday for us.”
The current 2020 Formula 1 calendar stands at 21 races following the postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix. Formula 1 officials are not particularly confident they can find a replacement date.
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