NIO 333 Formula E driver Ma Qinghua has been placed in quarantine ahead of the Mexico E-Prix in just under a fortnight, amidst the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The coronavirus has now infected more than 20,000 Chinese citizens, 420 of which have died from the flu-like virus. In order to slow the spread, several countries have announced travel bans to and from China.
As a result, Formula E has already postponed next month’s Sanya E-Prix, whilst Formula 1’s Chinese Grand Prix – the fourth round on the 2020 calendar – also looks set to be cancelled or rescheduled with a decision due this week.
The Chinese NIO 333 team issued a statement on Tuesday confirming that its staff were “well and healthy”, adding that driver Ma Qinghua had flown out to Mexico early to ensure he can remain in quarantine for the required 14 days, prior to the race.
“All Chinese staff of the NIO 333 Formula E team celebrated the traditional Chinese New Year’s holiday in China after the Santiago E-Prix,” the team confirmed.
“All team members remained at home in Shanghai over the extended holiday in response to the government’s advice facing the Coronavirus outbreak.
“All the staff are well and healthy, currently preparing the next round of Mexico City E-Prix.
“In a responsible manner toward the championship and personnels involved in Formula E, Chinese driver Ma Qinghua arrived in Mexico City on the 2nd of February to ensure a 14-day quarantine period prior to the race.
“We look forward to welcoming Sanya E-Prix back to the 2019-2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship’s calendar once the situation is improved and we hope to support China in this critical fight by a strong performance on track.”