[PapaofGags]

FIA says 10 coronavirus cases wouldn't stop F1 race. (Autosport)

The FIA is confident it would be able to manage positive coronavirus cases emerging in the paddock once the Formula 1 season resumes, avoiding the need to cancel races.

"If we have one positive case, or maybe 10 positive cases, it's possible to manage perfectly with a special track, a special pathway for the positive cases. Medically speaking, it's not a problem."

But Saillant recognised there would be wider-reaching consequences in how F1 was perceived were there to be a high number of positive cases, which could force action to be taken.

"In terms of sporting and media consequence, it's quite different," he said. "We have to try and anticipate that, to know where is the right line beyond which it's impossible to continue.

"But I think it's not a problem for us now."

FIA president Jean Todt added that he was eager to avoid a repeat of how events escalated in Australia.