Formula One urged to CANCEL Chinese Grand Prix amid deadly coronavirus outbreak as Tokyo Olympics chief admits fears over the killer disease disrupting the Games
The Shanghai Sports Federation want the Chinese Grand Prix to be called off
Coronavirus has affected health and safety in China – killing 500 people already
Some sporting events in China have been cancelled to stop the virus spreading
Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto is concerned for the Olympic Games
The Russian GP has refused to swap dates with China to help the situation
By SAM BLITZ
DAILYMAIL.COM
5 February 2020
The Shanghai Sports Federation wants the Chinese Grand Prix to be cancelled as the coronavirus death toll continues to rise.
The race is set to take place on April 19 but the flu-like virus has killed almost 500 in China since it broke out towards the end of last year.
This has led to the cancellation of several sporting events in the country, including March’s World Indoor Athletics Championships and next month’s Formula E race in Sanya. Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto admits he is increasingly concerned about the coronavirus situation with regards to the staging of the summer Games in Japan.
In a statement made to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the Shanghai Sports Federation proposed the ‘suspension of all sports events (sports events, performances, forums, foreign exchange and other activities), until the end of the epidemic situation.’
That will put pressure on the FIA to suspend the Chinese Grand Prix with an extension of the quarantine period likely to take place.
Reports also say that the Formula One chiefs will meet on Wednesday to discuss whether this year’s race in China will go ahead.
The possibility of the Shanghai event being moved to a later date was dealt a blow after Russia said that they would not consider swapping dates with their race in September.
‘The date for the 2020 Russian GP was set in October last year and it isn’t changing,’ said race officials.
Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 organisers told the International Paralympic Committee that the risk of the coronavirus disease spreading could impact and influence the running of the Games in the Japanese capital.
‘I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum towards the games,’ Tokyo 2020 CEO Muto said. ‘I hope that it will be stamped out as soon as possible.’
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