FIA sets up Crisis Cell to monitor coronavirus

The FIA has set up a Crisis Cell to ramp up preparations amid the spread coronavirus and remains prepared “to take any action required” including postponing upcoming events if required.

The motorsport governing body has already overseen the postponement of the both this year’s Chinese rounds in Formula 1 and Formula E respectively, while the all-electric series also confirmed the postponement of its Rome E-Prix originally scheduled in March due to the coronavirus.

With the coronavirus continuing to spread across the globe, seeing the total number of cases surpassing 100,000 and deaths totalling to more than 3,000, the FIA has issued an update on how it is tackling the crisis through its Medical Commission.

Following a presentation on the CONVID-10 outbreak led by FIA President of the Medical Commission Professor Gerard Saillant, the governing body has set up a Crisis Cell which will work every other day to assess the latest updates about the virus and any measure which need to be taken regarding its events.

The FIA also remains prepared to postpone further events if required.

“An FIA Crisis Cell has been established and convenes every second day to consider the latest developments around the world,” an FIA World Motor Sport Council statement confirmed.

“The FIA continues to closely monitor the situation and its implications, together with its Member Clubs and Promoters, and follows the advice of relevant authorities including Governments and the World Health Organization.

“The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming competitions and take any action required to help protect the global motor sport community and the wider public, including the postponement of competitions where necessary.”

F1’s opening rounds in Australia, Bahrain and Vietnam have all been put under pressure given the current coronavirus situation as travel bans come into place in a bid to restrict its spread.

Due to a spike in cases in northern Italy, many countries have installed travel banss from the nation or enforced a 14-day quarantine period which would hamper Ferrari, AlphaTauri, F1 tyre supplier Pirelli and numerous other organisations working in the sport.

So far, only the Chinese Grand Prix remains postponed on the 2020 F1 calendar with bosses confirming it is “all systems go” ahead of the new season which starts in Melbourne on 13-15 March.