Chinese Formula E racer Ma in 14-day quarantine in Mexico
Chinese Formula E driver Ma Qinghua is observing a 14-day quarantine period ahead of the Mexico City E-Prix in response to government advice amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The race in the Mexican capital is set to take place on 15 February, using a revised circuit configuration that adopts more of the Formula 1 track layout.
Ma arrived in the city on 2 February, according to a statement from his NIO 333 team, to act “in a responsible manner toward the championship and personnels involved in Formula E”. He will now participate in a two-week quarantine.
The impact of the coronavirus, declared by the World Health Organisation as a public health emergency, has already forced FE to officially postpone the Sanya E-Prix.
Although FE has not proposed a delayed date for the race – with total cancellation or the addition of a second race in New York also on the table – the NIO statement added that the team awaited a return of the Chinese round to the calendar this year.
“We look forward to welcoming Sanya E-Prix back to the 2019-2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship's calendar once the situation is improved and we hope to support China in this critical fight by a strong performance on track.”
The team also said that its staff were in fine health after returning from the most recent Santiago E-Prix to Shanghai as they celebrated the Chinese New Year.
“All Chinese staffs of the NIO 333 Formula E team celebrated the traditional Chinese New Year’s holiday in China after the Santiago E-Prix,” read the statement.
“All team members remained at home in Shanghai over the extended holiday in response to the government’s advice facing the Coronavirus outbreak.
“All the staffs are well and healthy, currently preparing the next round of Mexico City E-Prix.”
Former World Touring Car Championship driver Ma heads to Mexico as the bottom-ranked driver in the standings, having scored a best finish of 16th from the first three races this year.
Previous article
Formula E reveals first pictures of updated Gen2 EVO car
Next article
Why Formula E's new car isn't an 'identity crisis'
How Puebla gave Formula E's new points leader breathing space
With the usual Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez venue unavailable to Formula E, it visited the little Puebla circuit to keep its foot in the door in Mexico. A near-winner two years ago, Pascal Wehrlein looked in swaggering form throughout the weekend - but a breathless final encounter helped put Edoardo Mortara in the driving seat.
The half-term report cards of each Formula E team in 2020-21
In an eventful Formula E season, punctuated by rain and energy-conservation controversy, the 12 teams contesting the championship have endured many challenges in the opening seven races. Here's how they've got on across the first half of the season.
How Formula E stood up to F1 comparisons in Monaco
OPINION: It was no surprise to anybody that the laptimes achieved by Formula E cars on the full Monaco circuit were much slower than Formula 1. But perhaps the more relevant comparison was in the racing spectacle, where FE delivered in spades.
How Monaco dealt Formula E a winning hand to cure its hangover
Formula E faced much criticism in the wake of its maligned Valencia event. In need of a turnaround, the series' first use of Monaco's iconic Formula 1 layout provided it with the injection of thrills required to clear the fog that had enveloped the paddock.
Why Formula E's Valencia fiasco undermines engineering talent
FIA president Jean Todt wanted more Formula E coverage in the media, and got his wish when the opening Valencia E-Prix proved farcical. Despite attempts to spin the race as teams failing to get their sums right, Formula E and its governing body cannot escape blame - especially when trying to get teams to commit long-term.
How Valencia E-Prix farce gave Formula E an image problem
Formula E was under the microscope at Valencia, on its first visit to a permanent circuit. But after a mere nine drivers were left classified following Saturday's Valencia E-Prix, the electric championship once more faced criticism after rising energy deductions and miscalculations produced a farcical affair.
How Vergne and Vandoorne found redemption in Rome
Another Formula E double-header, another double dose of frantic action. While the form guide remains unpredictable following fightback wins for Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne in Rome, the speed and consistency of Mercedes – both on and off the track – could have its rivals worried for what is to follow
What Nissan's commitment to Gen3 reveals about Formula E's future
Formula E's Gen3 era grid continues to take shape, after Nissan opted to commit to the series for another four years. Nissan's global chief operating officer explains why it has thrown its lot in with FE while other high-profile marques have decided to call it quits.
