Shanghai Formula 1 Grand Prix on the Line Due to Coronavirus Concerns
Organizers are keeping a close eye on the situation, and the FIA and Shanghai Grand Prix Organizers will make the final decision. The race is scheduled for April 19th.
"If there's a chance that the race in April won't happen, it'll be rescheduled," stated Formula 1 General Manager Ross Brawn to motorsport.com. "We'll keep the opportunity open to see what happens." The event could take place later in the year.
"China is a passionate and growing market, so we wanted to host a race in China."
Should the race be cancelled, there would be a four-week break in the F1 calendar. The first Vietnamese Grand Prix starts in early April, and no further races would take place before the Dutch Grand Prix returns in early May.
Since the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix on the Shanghai International Circuit in 2004, the annual event in China has grown in popularity.
With nearly 500 fatalities and over 20,000 cases of Coronavirus, the Shanghai Sports Commission has recommended suspending all events until the epidemic subsides.
Rumours surfaced this week that the Shanghai race might replace the Russian Grand Prix's April schedule.
However, the Russian organisers have rejected this idea, stating that they are not considering this change.
Brawn also dismissed the idea, stating, "We probably wouldn't do that," to motorsport.com. "We'll try to find a suitable window to hold the event later in the year if possible."
Former Mercedes and Ferrari team principal, Brawn, viewed the situation as "very challenging," adding that the decision was not in the hands of Formula 1.
"We are waiting for Chinese authorities to make a final decision on whether to proceed," said Brawn. "If they decide to cancel, unfortunately, that's what we'll have to do."
The Shanghai race isn't the only motorsport event affected in China. Also, the Formula E race, scheduled for March 21 in Sanya, China, has been cancelled.
Chinese Formula E driver Ma Qinghua was placed under quarantine before the Mexican Grand Prix.
Some sporting events in China have been postponed, cancelled, or threatened with cancellation.
This potential cancellation of the Shanghai Grand Prix marks the latest disruption in sports induced by the coronavirus.
Source:
