"In view of the continued spread of novel coronavirus and after ongoing discussions with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of People's Republic of China (CAMF) and Shanghai Administration of Sports, the Chinese Grand Prix Promoter, Juss Sports Group, has officially requested that the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix be postponed," said the FIA in a statement this morning.

"The FIA, together with the Formula 1, have jointly decided to accept this official request from the promoter and postpone the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, originally scheduled for 19 April.

"As a result of continued health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus as a global health emergency, the FIA and Formula 1 have taken these measures in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains of primary concern.

"The FIA and Formula 1 continue to work closely with the teams, race promoter, CAMF and the local authorities to monitor the situation as it develops. All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for the Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.

"The Chinese Grand Prix has long been an important part of the F1 calendar with many passionate fans. The FIA F1 community looks forward to racing in China as soon as possible and wishes everyone in the country the best during this difficult time.

"The global situation regarding this virus will continue to be monitored by the FIA with regard to other motor sport events."

While all concerned are looking at possible alternative dates, the fact is that the options are severely limited.

Understandably, no other promoter wishes to switch dates, thereby meaning that a rescheduled race in Shanghai would either have to take place during the summer break or be inserted into a gap between existing events. However, with the sport having previously said there would be no repeats of the 2018 triple-header, this too seems unlikely.

Also to be considered is the fact that the virus has not yet peaked and it is entirely possible that further events are postponed or cancelled.

The cancellation of the race also means that Ferrari's 1000th Grand Prix will be the event at Paul Ricard, rather than in Montreal.