The FIA has taken the decision to postpone the Chinese GP due to coronavirus outbreak with no new date as of set in the cramped 2020 F1 calendar.
Following weeks of discussions, the FIA has finally confirmed the decision to postpone the 2020 Chinese GP due to coronavirus outbreak, with no date set as of now, as to when it will take place later in the cramped F1 season.
The news came after the FIA consultated with Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People’s Republic of China (CAMF), Shanghai Administration of Sports and the Chinese Grand Prix Promoter, Juss Sports Group.
The grand prix was scheduled for April 17-19 weekend but with World Health Organisation declaring coronavirus – COVID-19 – as an international health emergency, where more than 1000 people have died, the FIA had no choice but to cancel/postpone.
There were reports of China switching with Russia but the latter have played down the news with the FIA now tasked with a big headache of re-scheduling if it can happen. The postponement of Chinese GP leaves a huge gap in the month of April.
The inaugural Vietnam GP is scheduled for April 3-5 with Dutch GP to take place on May 1-3 weekend and with no Chinese GP, there is a gap of three weeks to fill. It remains to be seen if the FIA and F1 stage any other event or leave the gap as it is.
The full statement from the FIA:
“In view of the continued spread of novel coronavirus and 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 officially requested that the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix be postponed.
The FIA, together with the Formula 1, have jointly decided to accept this 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.”
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