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Coronavirus fears hits SA's biggest racing event - 2020 Simola Hillclimb also now postponed

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Image: Rob Till
Image: Rob Till
Rob Till

Sporting events the world over has been affected, so it's no surprise that one of South Africa's most exciting and most significant motoring events has now been affected too.

Formula 1, Formula E and various other racing series have all been affected and postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.In light of President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of emergency on Sunday (March 15), the organisers of the 2020 Simola Hillclimb has followed suit and postponed this year's event.

Organisers released a statement regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The organisers said: "The event will be postponed to later in the year.

READ | F1 to cram 18 races into six months as more GPs are expected to be postponed or cancelled

"The event, held in Knysna and due to take place from May 7 to 10, has become South Africa's premier motorsport lifestyle event with approximately 17 000 people from around the globe attending over the weekend.

                                 Image: Jason Williams


"We are naturally very disappointed to have to move the event to later in the year, but the health of our employees, sponsor staff, competitors and their support crew, fans, suppliers and the general containment of the virus is the most important issue to consider at this time," said the organisers. 

"We will obviously monitor the situation as it develops in the country, but it is our intention to run the event later in the year when this becomes sensible, safe, and possible. We believe that this would be the outcome that most of our stakeholders would like to happen."

According to organisers, they are now engaging with Motorsport South Africa, their event partners and suppliers to determine when would be the most suitable timing for the event later in the year. 

"We will communicate further information once we have clarity on the new date. In the interim, we ask for patience from all parties while we plot the way forward," said the organisers.

Compiled by Janine Van der Post

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