Formula One organisers have postponed the Chinese Grand Prix that was due to be staged in Shanghai in April, the latest sporting event affected by the fast-spreading coronavirus infection in the country.
Key points:
- The fourth round of the 2020 Formula One season will not go ahead after the postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix
- Logistics and the movement of freight for the April 19 race meant that organisers had to make a decision this week
- It is the first time an F1 race has been called off since the cancellation of the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix
More than 1,100 people have died in China from the virus, which has been named COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation.
One of 22 races in the F1 2020 season — that opens in Melbourne next month — the Chinese Grand Prix was due to be staged on April 19.
The decision to postpone the race was taken after a request from the Shanghai promoter to, "ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans", F1 said in a statement.
It is the first time a race has been called off since political unrest led to the cancelation of the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix.
"It's tough," Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo said shortly after the F1 announcement on China.
"Obviously mixed feelings because personally I really enjoy the circuit, I had success there. I had a win in 2018 and I got my first points with Renault there last year. So it's been positive for me.
"I feel for the fans and everyone that's going to miss out, but more importantly I feel for China, what they are going through at the moment with the virus.
Speaking at the launch of the Renault team's F1 car for 2020, Ricciardo said a decision was needed now because teams had to send in equipment and personnel well in advance of races.
"[The virus] still hasn't been controlled to full effect," the Australian said at Renault's showcase store on the Champs-Elysees.
Motor sport officials from F1's governing body, the FIA, Chinese organisers and teams will remain in discussions about whether the race can be rearranged this year.
"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," F1 said.
Other virus-enforced cancellations or postponements range from soccer and Olympic qualifying events to golf tournaments.
The Tokyo Olympics open on July 24 and organisers have repeatedly said the Games will not be cancelled or postponed.
But many Olympic qualifying events are in disarray, with Chinese athletes not free to travel outside the country to participate.
AP
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