FIA monitoring China coronavirus with 'relevant authorities'

40

The FIA has issued a brief statement on the Coronavirus outbreak in China, with motorsport's governing body keeping an eye on developments in the country that will host in April the fourth round of the 2020 F1 world championship.

China is still battling the epidemic which it is believed originated in the central city of Wuhan which has since been completely sealed off and locked down.

The death toll rose to 170 on Thursday while the number of confirmed cases in China has grown to 7,711 cases, up from 5,974 a day earlier.

Is the China GP in jeopardy following Coronavirus outbreak?

The World Health Organization has warned foreign governments to be "on alert" but has so far refrained from declaring the outbreak a global health emergency.

"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 governing body said on Thursday.

"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."

The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai is set to take place on April 19, leaving over two and a half months for the epidemic to subside or brought under control.

However, the Chinese round of the Formula E championship scheduled on March 21 on the island of Hainan could fall within a restricted window of public events.

China's authorities have already canceled or postponed multiple sporting events for February due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing have been scrapped while all Chinese football matches have been postponed indefinitely.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.