You are here: HomeEntertainment2020 03 13Article 348262

Sports News of Friday, 13 March 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Coronavirus: Formula One cancels season-opening race at Melbourne

Formula One fans in Melbourne Formula One fans in Melbourne

The first Formula One race of the season billed to hold in Melbourne, Australia has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

This is coming after McLaren’s withdrawal from the race on Thursday after one of their team members tested positive for COVID-19. According to reports, at least 14 more are in self-quarantine.

A statement issued jointly by F1, governing body the FIA and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation read: "Following the confirmation that a member of the McLaren Racing Team has tested positive for COVID-19 and the team’s decision to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 and the FIA convened a meeting of the other nine team principals on Thursday evening. Those discussions concluded with a majority view of the teams that the race should not go ahead.

"Formula 1 and the FIA, with the full support of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) have therefore taken the decision that all Formula 1 activity for the Australian Grand Prix are cancelled.

"We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race and all ticket holders will receive a full refund and a further announcement will be communicated in due course.

"All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC, Motorsport Australia, staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, however, concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community as well as the fairness of the competition take priority."

Major sporting events across the globe have also been affected, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, NBA, etc, with the EURO 2020 and Tokyo Olympics expected to be called off.