FIA postpones Chinese GP over coronavirus epidemic!

As expected, the FIA has officially postponed the Chinese Grand Prix due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The fourth round of the F1 World Championship, scheduled to take place in Shanghai on April 19, has followed the fate of other public and sporting events in China in the face of the uncertainty surrounding the novel virus' epidemic.

"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 F1 said in a statement.

Formula 1's full calendar of events for the 2020 season

"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."

The FIA added that it will concert with Formula 1 and all relevant parties to study the possibility of slotting in the Shanghai race at a later date in 2020.

"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 statement added.

"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."

One option that could be put on the table is pushing back F1's season finale in Abu Dhabi and allocate a late November date to the Chinese GP organizers.

The Shanghai race's cancellation now leaves a four-week gap between the Vietnam Grand Prix and the Dutch Grand Prix, the two races added to this year's 22-race calendar.

The last round of the F1 World Championship to be canceled was the March 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sakhir which was scrapped following popular uprisings at the time against the country's regime.

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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.