Bahrain F1 GP halts ticket sales due to coronavirus

Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have suspended ticket sales for the Formula 1 race as the country assesses the developing outbreak of the coronavirus.

A statement released from the Bahrain International Circuit confirmed that all ticket sales had been halted to “ensure appropriate social distancing guidelines are met” after the country’s cases of COVID-19 rose.

The BIC added it is assessing the situation as to whether it could release further tickets in future, or refund fans if it is required to decrease the size of the crowd amid the prospect of worldwide sporting events being held behind closed doors.

"In light of the continued global outbreak of COVID-19, the BIC has announced that it will be phasing the sales of Grand Prix tickets to ensure appropriate social distancing guidelines are met," the statement read.

"As further facts emerge, the BIC is in close communication with both Formula 1 Management and the Kingdom's health authorities to assess the developing situation and release further tickets or refund the face value of tickets depending on circumstances and updated medical advice.

"This precautionary step has been introduced along with a number of public health measures ahead of the Grand Prix to ensure the safety of all spectators, teams and circuit staff.

"These include screening procedures on entry, specialist medical facilities onsite, enhanced sanitation at the circuit, additional hand washing stations, information points for fans, as well as specific medical protocols to manage any suspected cases of COVID-19.”

Bahrain now has 55 confirmed cases of coronavirus, which continues to rapidly spread across the globe with more than 100,000 people affected by the flu-like disease worldwide.

F1 remains confident that the race, which is due to be the second round of the 2020 campaign on March 22, will go ahead as planned.