Super Formula team Mugen has announced that one of its driver manager has tested positive for COVID-19 after the recent two-day test.
Following the Super Formula two-day test at Fuji Speedway, the fears of many have become true, as a member of the paddock has tested positive for COVID-19 – the disease which has cancelled countless events, and almost all motorsports.
Testing went ahead in Japan despite the fear of the virus and despite all the precautions, the person has tested positive for COVID-19. Mugen noted that one of the driver’s manager got the coronavirus and has been put under isolation.
The Super Formula team apologised for the situation but withheld the name of the person. Mugen Honda has Red Bull junior Juri Vips and Tomoki Nojiri – and if we go by the wordings of the release, it looks that the Estonian’s manager is the one to have gotten it.
“TEAM MUGEN (M-TEC Co., Ltd.) has confirmed that the manager of our team contract driver is infected with the new coronavirus,” stated the release from Mugen Super Formula team. “After the completion of the super formula joint test conducted at Fuji Speedway, it was found to be positive at a quarantine inspection laboratory overseas.
“Based on the notification from our race team, the team members who participated in the test have stopped working. Currently, we will check the health status of our race team members who have participated in the test, confirm the number of close contacts, and take necessary measures for safety under the guidance of the health center in charge.
“We sincerely apologize to the concerned parties for their great concern. We will report the facts and respond promptly as new information becomes available.” The Suzuka test for April 2-3 was already cancelled, while Round 3 at Autopolis was postponed.
The latest the 2020 Super Formula season would start is in June 21 at Sugo. Vips, meanwhile, noted that he was to stay back in Japan as per Red Bull release but it is unclear if the Estonian has traveled back or indeed stayed back.
Not just Super Formula but Super GT has had schedule changes as a result of this catastrophic global pandemic, and will likely see more as the situation evolves rapidly around the world. The cases in Japan has seen a rise in the last few days.
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The story was co-written by Darshan Chokhani
