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Since December 2019, the world has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. No continent has been spared. The FIA is closely monitoring the development of the situation. Since February, an ad-hoc commission chaired by Professor G. Saillant, President of the Medical Commission, has been constantly assessing the impact of the crisis on our federation, its employees, its clubs, and the events that it organizes. Many decisions have already been taken, and others soon will be, in order to help prevent the spread of the virus around the world.

We have had to cancel or postpone many of our championship events: Formula 1, WRC, WEC, RX, Formula E, etc. Our thoughts are with the ASNs that had dedicated time and energy to organizing these events and that looked forward to hosting them. I share their disappointment and would like to express my support and solidarity. To the extent possible, with the promoters of these championships, we will review all the calendars and try to reschedule some of those races later this year.

Our clubs have also not been spared. The Asia-Pacific Sports Regional Congress, which was to take place in Hanoi at the beginning of April, had to be canceled. We will try, but cannot promise, to relocate it to Bangkok during the FIA Sport Conference in June.

Finally, our main FIA commission meetings that were originally scheduled to take place over the next few weeks have been postponed or will be held via videoconference where possible.

Regarding our staff in the FIA Paris and Geneva offices, their health is my top priority. I have therefore decided to adapt the way we work based on the guidelines set out by the French and Swiss governments. Primarily, staff has been asked to work from home. We have put in place the IT solutions required to ensure that all FIA departments continue to function properly. They will, therefore, be reachable, ready to help and assist you with any needs you may have.

The world is going through a health crisis that it has never before experienced, and that is affecting each and every one of us. In order to combat this virus together, we must temporarily change our way of working. I hope that this will enable us to resume a normal life in the coming weeks. I know that I can count on your support. Of course, I will continue to keep you informed on the development of this crisis in terms of its impact on the FIA and invite you to do the same in regard to the situation in your country.

Yours sincerely,

Jean Todt, FIA President

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