Formula 1’s planned fan festival in Johannesburg at the end of March has been called off due to the spread of the Coronavirus.
Formula 1 Management confirmed today they intend to postpone the event if a suitable date can be found.“Due to the ongoing global situation regarding Covid-19, the Heineken F1 Joburg Festival due to take place on the 29th March has been postponed to protect the safety of all fans and participants attending the event,” said the series in a statement.
“Any decision on a rescheduling will be made at the right time from a public safety perspective,” the it added.
Mercedes, Red Bull and Renault were due to participate in the event with Valtteri Bottas and David Coulthard among those slated to attend.
Formula 1’s director of marketing and communications Ellie Norman said: “Following the announcement from the World Health Organisation categorising Covid-19 as a pandemic earlier this week, we have made the unfortunate decision to postpone the festival. Our fans’ health and safety is paramount and whist we know this decision will be disappointing for our fans we believe this is the right decision at this time.
“We would like to thank all our partners and those involved in making the event happen, and we are fully committed to returning to bring the excitement of F1 back to South Africa.”
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Jorge Lardone (@jorge-lardone)
14th March 2020, 13:31
Fine.
Guybrush Threepwood (@guybrushthreepwood)
14th March 2020, 17:33
I would love to hear from Dieter about what measures and equipment F1 is providing the teams to curtail the spread of CV when and if this circus gets back on track.
Surely if F1 wants to go ahead it needs to do all it can to protect the teams health. We have seen only one case stop the show, so I would think supplying masks, sanitiser stations in the paddock, directives regarding physical contact, eliminating any in-person group interview / team / press sessions, and maybe even hiring out entire hotels for all personnel would be prudent?
L (@lebz)
14th March 2020, 18:49
I really wish Kyalami could make a comeback. Would be nice to also experience a gp in my home country. Regarding the fan fest, I guess it’s the best decision.
JMDan (@danmar)
14th March 2020, 19:26
Fist time I’ve seen empty shelves at my local supermarket this morning.