After a day where there has been rapid-fire action at a governmental level across Europe, and a declaration from the World Health Organisation that the COVID-19 outbreak is now ranked as a Global Pandemic, IMSA has moved to confirm that next week’s joint race meeting with the FIA WEC will proceed.
A public statement released this evening states:
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) has been closely monitoring all available information related to the spread of the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19. IMSA’s priority is the health and safety of our fans, drivers, partners, employees, volunteers and everyone involved with our races.
Upon guidance and counsel from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) plus federal, state and local health agencies and our medical experts, there are no planned schedule changes for next week’s SuperSebring event. IMSA, along with Sebring International Raceway, will continue to analyze and implement recommendations from these agencies and take precautionary operational steps to protect the health of all involved during the event.
We are asking fans, employees, competitors and partners to continue to follow best practice precautions as recommended by the CDC, such as frequent handwashing, use of hand sanitizer and covering coughs and sneezes appropriately.
We understand this situation is of great concern to everyone involved and we will communicate updates as necessary. We encourage you to keep informed of developments through the official CDC (www.cdc.gov) and WHO (www.who.int) updates.
Italian media reported earlier today that WEC LMP2 team Cetilar Racing have pulled out of Sebring whilst this evening Tower Racing by Starworks IMSA LMP2 driver, David Heinemeier Hansson, who has been sharply critical of racing events proceeding in the current climate, also confirmed his own withdrawal via Social Media:
“If Sebring actually does proceed, and at this point, I don’t believe it will, I wish all competitors a safe week. I will not be driving the Tower Motorsports P2 car in the 12H race as otherwise planned. It’s a broken heart, but continuing with this event is grossly irresponsible, so I’m out.”
Team Principal Peter Baron has confirmed hat the team still plan to compete.
Later on during the day President Donald Trump, in a national TV Address, announced a range of measures in response to the Pandemic, the most significant could prove to be a total suspension of travel from Europe (except the UK) for 30 days from midnight on Friday.
