Jackson Walls and Tommy Smith leave Spain to avoid coronavirus lockdown

Australians Jackson Walls and Tommy Smith have left Spain as the nation prepares to declare a “State of Alert” on Saturday.

Jackson Walls and Tommy Smith share a flight back to Australia. Image supplied.

The pair had completed the first Formula Renault Eurocup test session at Valencia, and were due to move to the second test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

As the global spread of coronavirus reaches pandemic levels, Spain is the worst-affected country in Europe after Italy, and the nation is due to lockdown on Saturday in a “State of Alert”—reducing travel and cancelling public events.

The second Formula Renault Eurocup test was cancelled, as Spanish authorities closed the circuit.

Jackson Walls and Tommy Smith share a flight back to Australia. Image supplied.

Renault Sport Series official statement

Following the decision that was made by the Minister of the Interior of Catalunya, the Formula Renault Eurocup pre-season tests scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya have been cancelled.

The closure of the circuit is part of the measures taken by public authorities in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. Renault Sport Racing have taken action following that decision, and will continue to follow the evolving situation.