Sanya ePrix postponed due to coronavirus outbreak

The world of motorsport could not remain cloistered in its bubble. After several rumors, the Sanya ePrix (China), sixth round of the 2019-20 season of Formula E, was officially postponed this Sunday, February 2.

The spread of the coronavirus virus, which appeared for the first time in Wuhan, nearly 1 km from Sanya last December, is important enough for the event not to take place on its initial date (March 800). In fact, the epidemic has caused more than 21 deaths as of February 300, while the number of people infected in China exceeds 2 individuals, according to the authorities.

“In view of the continued spread of the coronavirus and after close consultation with the relevant departments of Hainan Province and the Sanya Municipal Government, Formula E – with the FIA, the Motor and Motorcycle Sports Federation of the People's Republic of China (CAMF) and regional authorities partner Enova Holdings – have jointly decided not to race in Sanya on the scheduled date of March 21, 2020, indicates the organizers' press release.

Given the current growing health concerns and with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the coronavirus an international emergency, Formula E has taken necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of its traveling staff, participants to the championship and spectators, this aspect remaining essential.

We are working closely with our regional partner and local authorities in Hainan Province and Sanya Municipal Government, to continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. All parties will take appropriate time to explore the viability of potential alternative dates if the situation improves. »

This announcement suits many pilots. Indeed, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) maintains its 1 Miles of Sebringle event on March 000, and the clash of dates no longer has to be. Sam Bird, James Calado, Sébastien Buemi et Brendon Hartley, who participate in these two disciplines, will thus be able to go to Florida.

The Sanya ePrix, which appeared in 2019 in Formula E, is therefore not not canceled but postponed for the moment. It remains to be seen whether the demonstration can take place before the end of the campaign, scheduled for July in London (Great Britain).