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A European health official admits he is not optimistic over the chances of the 2020 Chinese Grand Prix being held in April due to the rapid spread of the Wuhan coronavirus.
Earlier this week, the FIA stated that it would "react if necessary" to the outbreak of the virus, which has claimed the lives of over 250 people so far.
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The virus has spread to mainland Europe, with many airlines cancelling flights to and from China in an effort to stop the rapid spread of infection.
The 2020 Chinese Grand Prix, which would be the 17th race held in the Asian nation, is scheduled to take place from April 17th - 19th.
However, Dr Sergio Brusin, an expert at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, told the Guardian newspaper: "What happens between now and April is extremely difficult to predict, but if the infection keeps on spreading at this pace I would not be optimistic at having an F1 ticket in my pocket."
Formula E is also believed to be mulling over the cancellation of the Sanya ePrix, which takes place next month.
It was recently confirmed that the World Indoor Athletics Championships, which was set to be held in Nanjing, 500km from Wuhan in March, has been postponed for a year.
"The virus is still spreading, there is no doubt about it," Dr Brusin added. "There has been a huge increase of cases in China and more countries importing cases.
"We are seeing human-to-human transmission outside the area of Wuhan that can indicate that it will spread further."
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C. Sainz jr
Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I can't hear the phrase "disease control" without thinking of that poorly Google translated version of "Be Prepared" from the Lion King. Not that viral outbreaks are fun, quite the opposite.
Me being silly in a serious situation aside: now would be an opportune time to maybe gather all the Asian and Australian GPs into a more neat group so as to reduce travelling hither and yon? F1 talk so much about making itself more eco-friendly, but I'd venture saying they've not done enough where it matters: travelling. Make the calendar more efficient, and you might get the Chinese GP at a time where the outbreak is more controlled (albeit perhaps not in 2020), you might make the calendar as a whole more coherent and less eco-unfriendly, AND you might even solve the Japanese GP weather situation in one stroke! I give you this idea for free, look how humble I am!
Bilstar
Posts: 54
I don't suppose we can make the necessary arrangements now and just hold it another random circuit, any old circuit wold do really, how about, oh I don't know... Circuit de la Sarthe? You know, just to be on the safe side?
Any port in a storm and all that. Anyone? Hell yes?
xoya
Posts: 583
I follow your Circuit de la Sarthe and raise for a Sepang.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Ah, Sepang would be rad to have on-board again. I'd also say Chang International is a worthy candidate.
Sadly, it'd be really hard to arrange for a spare GP at such a short note. There's just too much work for it to be feasible.