Ma Quing Hua takes safety first approach before competing in Mexico City e-Prix.

Chinese driver Ma Quing Hua has put the health and safety of others before himself by going into a 14-day quarantine period ahead of the Mexico City e-Prix on February 15.

Chinese staff of his NIO 33 team were in Shanghai following the Santiago e-Prix to celebrate the Chinese New Year. But, following the widely-publicised coronavirus outbreak, declared as a public emergency be the World Health Organisation, the driver will be evaluated before competing in the race in Mexico City in response to government advice.

“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 a team 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.

“In a responsible manner toward the championship and personnels involved in Formula E, Chinese driver Ma Qinghua arrived in Mexico City on the 2nd of February to ensure a 14-day quarantine period prior to the race.”

The coronavirus epidemic has already forced the postponement of the Sanya e-Prix, which was scheduled for March 21.

“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.”

Motorsport Technology