WEC sees Sebring round called off amid coronavirus

The World Endurance Championship has confirmed the cancellation of the Sebring 1000 miles following the United States travel ban on non-US citizens from Europe amid the coronavirus outbreak.

President Donald Trump announced a travel suspension of non-US citizens from Europe to the USA last night (March 11), leaving WEC little alternative but to cancel is Sebring round scheduled for March 20.

With a large section of the WEC grid and paddock set to travel from Europe to Sebring over the coming days, organisers confirmed “it would not be possible or appropriate to stage the race in their absence”.

“This decision was not made lightly. Our teams and officials place great value on racing at Sebring in front of its enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans,” Gerard Neveu, WEC CEO, confirmed.

“While this cancellation has been forced upon us because of the travel restrictions from Europe to USA, WEC remains committed at all times to the health and welfare of its teams, officials and race fans. Further, the quality of every aspect of a WEC race event is at the heart of everything that we do and will never be compromised.”

WEC’s Sebring test, scheduled for March 14-15, has also been cancelled. With all cars and equipment already in Sebring, WEC organisers will now focus on managing its return to Europe.

WEC will now have to wait until April to return to racing, with the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps scheduled for April 25, but given the ongoing coronavirus spread that race remains provisionally confirmed. The 2019-2020 WEC season is set to finish with this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours on June 13-14.