Fans banned from Bahrain GP due to coronavirus

DUBAI - Organizers of the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix have confirmed that this season's race will take place without spectators in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"In consultation with our international partners and the Kingdom's national health Taskforce, Bahrain has made the decision to hold this year's Bahrain Grand Prix as a participants-only event," a statement read on Sunday.

"Given the continued spread of COVID-19 globally, convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at the present time."

The 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled for March 22, one week after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, which is still set to go ahead as planned with spectators in attendance.

The coronavirus outbreak has already forced the postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, which had been scheduled to take place on April 15.