Coronavirus fears sees postponement of F1 Chinese Grand Prix

The Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, due to be held in Shanghai on 19th April, has been postponed due to concerns over the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Formula 1 race is the latest sporting event to be hit by Coronavirus fears, while the Vietnamese Grand Prix, scheduled for 5th April, has also been cast into doubt.

The Shanghai race's promoter, Juss Sports Group, officially requested the postponement after ongoing discussions with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People's Republic of China (CAMF) and Shanghai Administration of Sports.

Formula 1 says that has decided - in conjunction with governing body the FIA - to accept the postponement request. The decision was made in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans.

In a statement, Formula 1 advised "the Chinese Grand Prix has always been a very important part of the F1 calendar and the fans are always incredible.

"We all look forward to racing in China as soon as possible and wish everyone in the country the best during this difficult time."

A large number of other sporting events in China have been cancelled or postponed due to the virus's outbreak while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the postponement of matches for the four Chinese Super League teams in this year’s AFC Champions League.

Matches, which had been set to start this week, will be rescheduled in April and May.

Image: F1 in Shanghai.