Renault has confirmed that its Formula 1 operations will be shut for the next few weeks due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Renault’s Formula 1 project is split across two bases, one at Enstone in the United Kingdom – which largely concentrates on the chassis – and one at Viry-Châtillon in France, where the engine programme is located.
Renault must therefore act upon instruction from two different governments, as well as parent company Groupe Renault, along with advice issued by Formula 1.
The manufacturer confirmed on Thursday that, following measures implemented by the French government, Viry-Châtillon will shut from tomorrow (20 March) until at least 5 April.
Meanwhile, all employees who usually work at its Enstone base must do so from home from Monday (23 March).
It also confirmed that the site will be closed entirely between 30 March and 19 April on account of Formula 1’s revised summer shutdown period.
The championship confirmed on Wednesday that the usual two-week shutdown period in August had been brought forwards and extended by seven days.
Travelling personnel who were in Australia have not been permitted to return to the relevant grounds in order to observe a precautionary 14-day isolation period.