CORONAVIRUS has swept across the globe with thousands already dying due to the outbreak.
With little sign of the spread slowing down, bosses in every sport are preparing contingency plans to avoid getting any others infected.
Chinese Grand Prix has already been postponed with more expected to followCredit: AFP or licensors
Formula One is no different, with one race already postponed, while discussions are underway for further action surrounding coronavirus outbreak.
What races have been affected due to coronavirus?
The Chinese Grand Prix was postponed in mid-February with the Shanghai circuit 500 miles from Wuhan – where the coronavirus outbreak began.
The F1 bosses have insisted that they will try to find room for it in the calendar, but with 22 races being scheduled, this could be unlikely.
The inaugural Vietnam GP is currently going ahead, despite the Hanoi track being just 100 miles from the border of China.
The new circuit continues to be built as they prepare for their first foray into F1 on April 5.
Yet, the race is under threat, with Italy ravaged by the virus.
Ferrari has had to close its museums in Maranello and Modena, while AlphaTauri – formerly Toro Rosso – are also based in the north of the country in Faenza.
AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost has said: “If teams can’t run for whatever reason, and I have not thought about this and also I’m not a decision maker, but then I think it would be unfair to start the season.
“This is a big disadvantage for whoever it is.”
Although it is not until September 6, the current situation in Italy could mean the Monza Grand Prix is called off.
The second race of the season – Bahrain – is also staying on the calendar, but will take place WITHOUT any fans.
The Government of Bahrain have already revealed any foreign nationals who have visited Italy, Singapore and Hong Kong – among others – in the 14 days prior to travelling to Bahrain are not allowed entry.
This is putting any teams travelling to Singapore and Hong Kong on their way to Australia in doubt, along with the two Italian teams.
When will the season start?
For the time being, hopes are that the Australian Grand Prix will remain the season opener on March 15.
But, while the Oceanic nation has not been hit as bad as other countries by the coronavirus, it is fast becoming a logistical nightmare to get to Melbourne.
Aside from AlphaTauri and Ferrari – along with tyre suppliers Pirelli – all coming from Italy, most teams will have to travel via Singapore, Hong Kong and in the Middle East.
They have all cancelled flights in a bid to prevent the virus from being spread further into their countries.
Yet, it may not stop at the Australian GP with F1 boss Chase Carey heading to Spain to speak with fellow directors over postponing the first FOUR races.
Bahrain government’s flight restrictions is putting that race in doubt, while, it is still unconfirmed whether Vietnam is secure enough from the virus to proceed.
That would mean the first GP of the season may not be until May 3 at the returning Zandvoort track in Holland.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
