Formula One considers action as coronavirus hits Australian GP

MELBOURNE – Formula One organizers and the motorsport governing

body FIA are considering the next steps after McLaren withdrew from

Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix due to a team member

contracting the coronavirus.

"Following the outcome of the test on a member the McLaren team,

Formula 1 and the FIA have been in close contact with them on their

decision and have been coordinating with all the relevant authorities

on the next steps," a statement said on Thursday.

"Our priority is the safety of the fans, the teams and all personnel

at the race."

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) said it was "currently

in discussions with F1, the FIA & the Department of Health and Human

Services in relation to the broader implications of this test

result."

McLaren said the team member tested positive for the coronavirus

self-isolated as soon as they started to show symptoms and will now

be treated by local healthcare authorities in Melbourne.

The AGPC said on Twitter that eight people had completed tests for

the virus with only the McLaren staff member being positive. A ninth

person, who is "not associated with any F1 team, the FIA or

associated suppliers," was waiting on the outcome of a test.

McLaren team chiefs informed the governing FIA of the decision to

withdraw from Sunday's race a day before practice is due to start at

Albert Park.

Mercedes driver and reigning F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton had

earlier questioned why the race was going ahead when so many other

sporting events around the world were being cancelled or closing

doors to fans.

Local organizers of the race have, until now, said the event would go

ahead as planned with fans in attendance.

The Chinese Grand Prix in April has already been postponed and fans

will not be allowed to attend next week's Bahrain Grand Prix.

dpa