FIA prepared to take 'any action' necessary to protect F1 from coronavirus

The FIA have issued a press release stating that they are prepared to take “any action” in order to protect the Formula 1 community from the deadly coronavirus which has led to an outbreak in China, putting the future of the 2020 Chinese GP under threat.

At the end of 2019 to now, the virus has spread to claim 170 lives, with 7,711 cases of infection having been confirmed so far. However, it has now spread to every region in China, with travel in and out of the country being minimised in order to contain the outbreak.

Several sporting events have been cancelled, including the World Indoor Athletics Championships, and Formula 1 could follow suit and cancel the Chinese GP in Shanghai should they deem in necessary.

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"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 Gerard Saillant," the FIA press release read.

"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."

Formula E has a scheduled race in Sanya on March 21, while the F1 race is due to take place at the Shanghai International Circuit in Jiading on April 19.

Dignitaries of the World Health Organisation (WHO) will meet on Thursday to determine whether the coronavirus is now a global health emergency.

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