The Chinese Grand Prix in jeopardy
The Coronavirus epidemic has prompted FIA leaders and Formula 1 owners to meet to decide on the cancellation or postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix. The International Automobile Federation recently decided to suspend the Sanya E-Prix, an electric formula race that was to take place in Hainan province on March 21.
A “strategy group” was held this Wednesday in London, where Formula 1 leaders and FIA officials were to decide on whether the Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled for April 19 at the Shanghai International Circuit, would take place. Earlier in the day, the Shanghai sports authority had recommended the suspension of all sporting events in the city and its region. Indeed, recent official figures regarding the coronavirus epidemic reported the deaths of nearly 490 people, including 65 just on Tuesday.
It seems that at the end of this meeting, no solution was found. In reality, the F1 owners are waiting for the decision of the Chinese Grand Prix promoters to maintain, postpone, or cancel the Chinese Grand Prix.
If certain rumors suggested a date swap between the Russian Grand Prix and the Chinese Grand Prix, the idea was quickly set aside. Ross Brawn, the Formula 1 sporting director, explained that in case of a postponement, it would be necessary to look for a date towards the end of the year.
Other options have been mentioned, such as shortening the summer break and scheduling the Chinese Grand Prix after the Hungarian one, or placing it between the Singapore Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix.
« We will leave open the possibility of seeing if the Grand Prix can take place later in the year. China represents an important and growing market. We would like to have a race in China. » Stated Ross Brawn.
If the Chinese Grand Prix doesn’t excite all viewers, sponsors and manufacturers see this Grand Prix as a perfect showcase for their brand. Significant financial and advertising stakes arise from this sporting event.
As of today, holding this Grand Prix on March 21 seems utopian, it’s a real headache awaiting the Grand Prix organizers and the F1 leaders.
Indeed, the logistical and human resources that go hand in hand with organizing a Formula 1 Grand Prix are considerable and are arranged well before a Grand Prix. It should also be noted that the upcoming season will be the busiest in the history of Formula 1, which will not make it easy for organizers to find a replacement date.
There are two logistical deadlines, the first is when all the sea freight departs, that is, this week or next week. Things like fuel and others go by ship. But it’s not disastrous if it changes and they have to be brought back. Then we deal with the physical arrival of people on site. It’s a big challenge for those who will prepare the Grand Prix. It’s a critical stage. And it will happen in two or three weeks. I think that’s when a decision will really have to be made, stated Ross Brawn following last Wednesday’s meeting.
Other major sporting events, such as the World Athletics Championships in Nanjing and qualifying tournaments for the Olympic Games in boxing and badminton, have been postponed due to the Coronavirus epidemic.
