Sanya ePrix Cancelled Due to Growing Health Concerns

The Sanya ePrix, that was supposed to be the sixth round of the 2019-2020 Formula E Championship, has been cancelled due to growing health concerns because of coronavirus in China. The race was scheduled for March 21.

Here’s the FIA’s statement about the cancellation: “In view of the continued spread of coronavirus and after close consultation with the relevant departments of Hainan Province and Sanya Municipal Government, Formula E – together with the FIA, the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People’s Republic of China (CAMF), and regional partner Enova Holdings – have jointly decided not to race in Sanya on the scheduled date of March 21, 2020.

Given the current growing health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus an international emergency, Formula E has taken the necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of its travelling staff, championship participants and spectators, which remains of paramount importance.

We are working closely with our regional partner and the local authorities in Hainan Province and Sanya Municipal Government, to continue monitoring the situation as it develops. All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates should the situation improve.”

The Sanya ePrix at Haitang Bay Circuit had been held for the first time last year, in March 2019, with Jean-Eric Vergne taking the victory. This year, Sanya ePrix’s date was clashing with Sebring’s FIA WEC and IMSA superweekend, making a problem for some drivers competing both in Formula E and endurance races. Now, there is no more clash.

Photo: Andrew Ferraro, Sam Bagnall, Sam Bloxham/LAT Images/Formula E,