FIA President Jean Todt has revealed that those employed by motorsport’s governing body have been told to work from home amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus has wreaked havoc with motorsport’s schedules, with four rounds of the Formula 1 championship postponed or cancelled, Formula E put on hiatus for at least two months, and other series heavily disrupted.
In an open letter published on Monday, Todt wrote that “since December 2019, the world has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. No continent has been spared.
“Since February, an ad-hoc commission chaired by Professor G. Saillant, President of the Medical Commission, has been constantly assessing the impact of the crisis on our federation, its employees, its clubs, and the events that it organises.
“Many decisions have already been taken, and others soon will be, in order to help prevent the spread of the virus around the world.
“We have had to cancel or postpone many of our championship events: Formula 1, WRC, WEC, RX, Formula E, etc.
“Our thoughts are with the ASNs that had dedicated time and energy to organising these events and that looked forward to hosting them.
“I share their disappointment, and would like to express my support and solidarity. To the extent possible, with the promoters of these championships, we will review all the calendars and try to reschedule some of those races later this year.
“Our main FIA commission meetings that were originally scheduled to take place over the next few weeks have been postponed, or will be held via video conference where possible.
“Regarding our staff in the FIA Paris and Geneva offices, their health is my top priority.
“I have therefore decided to adapt the way we work based on the guidelines set out by the French and Swiss governments. Primarily, staff have been asked to work from home.
“We have put in place the IT solutions required to ensure that all FIA departments continue to function properly. They will therefore be reachable, ready to help and assist you with any needs you may have.”
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