Chinese GP postponed due to novel coronavirus outbreak

SHANGHAI - The Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix 2020, originally scheduled for April 19, will be postponed in view of the novel coronavirus, Chinese Grand Prix promoter Juss Sports Group announced Wednesday.

According to the announcement, as a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organization declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency, Formula 1 and the FIA have jointly made the decision in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains of primary concern.

Formula 1 and the FIA will continue to work closely with the teams, race promoter, the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People's Republic of China (CAMF) and the local authorities to monitor the situation as it develops. 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, the announcement said.

It is the first time for the Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix to be delayed since it was established in 2004.