F1 in “constant dialogue” with race organisers on coronavirus plans

Formula 1 says it is acting on daily advice from health authorities over the coronavirus outbreak and working with race promoters to safeguard the sport as part of wider measures it is deploying.

Following the postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix, focus on the spread of the coronavirus has increased and posed continued problems to both teams and race organisers preparing for the start of the 2020 season.

Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have banned spectators from attending its race as part of its prevention methods to stop the spread of coronavirus, while the opening round Australian Grand Prix plans to go ahead unchanged.

Teams based in Italy including Ferrari and AlphaTauri have also been taking precautions while travelling to Melbourne for the opening round following the quarantine lockdown of large regions in Northern Italy.

In a statement from F1 management, the sport has outlined its own action plan to tackle the spread of the coronavirus which it says is “a scientific approach” to minimise risks and protect personnel.

F1 has confirmed as well as the Bahrain GP taking place behind closed doors the race organisers will run screening procedures and specialist medical facilities onsite at the Bahrain International Circuit along with enhanced sanitation, more handwashing stations and specific medical protocol for anyone suspected with the COVID-10 virus.

“Due to the fluid nature of the virus, F1 will continue to take a scientific approach to the situation, acting on daily advice from the official health authorities and the advice or measures each host promoter may enact,” an F1 statement read.

“F1 has itself implemented a number of measures based upon advice from Public Health England, including the suspension of all non-essential travel. Dedicated teams of experts will be deployed at airports, transit points and at circuits to safeguard personnel, focused on the diagnosis, management and extraction of suspected cases. Bespoke quarantine points are being installed by promoters for any suspected cases.

“For F1, the FIA and all teams and promoters, the safety of our people is at all times paramount.”

Previously, F1 boss Chase Carey held talks with all teams at the end of pre-season testing in Barcelona to outline its plans amid the coronavirus outbreak but insists “all systems go” ahead of the 2020 season.

No new information has been released about the precautions taken ahead of the third round of the 2020 F1 season and the sport’s newest race the Vietnamese Grand Prix or any of the subsequent races.