Chinese GP back on 2023 agenda amid lift of Covid restrictions

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Formula 1 confirmed last month the cancellation of this year's Chinese Grand Prix due to Covid, but according to the latest reports from China the race could return to the calendar on its original date next April.

In early December, F1 and China appeared to throw in the towel for the event in Shanghai, "due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 situation" F1 stated just a month ago.

China's Zero Covid policy which was in force in the country until recently failed to rein in transmissions.

Read also: Portimao tipped to replace Shanghai on 2023 F1 calendar

Rather than relaxing restrictions earlier this year, authorities deployed snap lockdowns and contact tracing.

But that approach only served to frustrate residents who took to the streets to protest their governments firm grip on their daily lives all the while Covid cases have reached all-time highs.

This has prompted authorities in China to lift many of its tough restrictions, with lockdowns and quarantine rules being scrapped, while the country's borders will be fully opened from January 8 with no travel restrictions or quarantine measures for arrivals.

According to Motorsport.com's affiliate site in China, talks have been initiated between Chinese Grand Prix organisers and Formula 1, and discussions over the race being reinstated are expected to resume after the New Years Day holidays.

If China recoups its April 14-16 slot, the event would follow Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australia as the fourth round of the 2023 F1 World Championship.

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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.