Chinese Formula E Grand Prix cancelled due to coronavirus

PARIS: The Chinese Formula E Grand Prix on March 21 in Sanya has become the latest sports event to fall victim to the coronavirus, organisers announced on Sunday.

The race, first held last year, was called off “in view of the continued spread of coronavirus,” a Formula E statement announced. It said the decision had been taken “after close consultation” with Hainan Province and government authorities in Sanya, the sport’s governing body the FIA and the Chinese motorsport federation. The deadly coronavirus epidemic has played havoc with China’s sporting calendar.

All domestic football has been suspended and among the events either cancelled or postponed are the World Indoor athletics championships, Tokyo Olympics boxing and women’s basketball qualifiers and cycling’s Tour of Hainan. Also cancelled are snooker’s China Open, badminton’s China Masters and golf’s LPGA Blue Bay tournament. The Chinese Formula One Grand Prix, in Shanghai on April 19, is also at risk, with the FIA announcing on Thursday it was “monitoring the evolving situation”.