FIA prepared to ‘take action’ on Chinese GP over coronavirus epidemic

The FIA has issued a statement saying it is ready to “take action” over the running of the Chinese Grand Prix amid the ongoing coronavirus epidemic that has killed 170 people.

Almost all the deaths relating to coronavirus have been in the Wuhan region where the outbreak started, but the infection has spread to all regions of China and to at least 15 other countries, with more than 7,000 confirmed cases.

The British Foreign Office has warned against “all but essential” travel to mainland China, while British Airway has cancelled all flights to and from China.

It has led to concerns about the running of the Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in Shanghai on April 19.

The FIA issued a statement on the matter on Thursday confirming it was following the situation and would take any action necessary.

“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 statement reads.

“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 World Athletics Indoor Championships were due to be held in China in March, but have been postponed by one year as a result of the coronavirus.

China sits between grands prix in Vietnam and the Netherlands on the calendar, meaning any potential cancellation would result in a four-week break between rounds three and four.