Australian GP Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott has said that the F1 grand prix is on schedule despite the growing COVID-19 fears.
Already on Sunday night, MotoGP was forced to cancel its 2020 opener Qatar GP due to the travel restrictions in the host country. Their Round 2 in Thailand is all but postponed/cancelled, while on the F1 side, so far only Chinese GP has been deferred.
Questions have been raised regarding Australian GP, Bahrain GP and Vietnam GP but all seems to be on schedule with statements from the former and the latter re-confirming their status. The situation, however, could change on a daily basis with restrictions.
“We are all systems go and gearing up for the 25th Formula 1 race in Melbourne next week,” said Westacott. “The finishing touches are being put on the circuit, F1 freight and personnel are arriving in the coming days and we’re looking forward to opening the gates to the public on Thursday 12 March.
“The health and safety of everyone at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2020 is paramount. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has robust health, safety and emergency management arrangements in place at each event and we are working collaboratively with health agencies and related government and emergency services organisations in addressing this matter.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the lead-up to the Grand Prix and are taking guidance from subject matter experts, including Victorian and National Chief Health Officers and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
“At this stage there is no indication of further travel bans, nor is there any indication that F1 and the teams will not be arriving as usual. Formula 1 has again confirmed overnight that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead and we’re looking forward to welcoming them and the teams to Melbourne.”
Even though Australian GP is likely to go ahead but with fans, media and team personnel flocking from various other countries via several airports and considering how the coronavirus is being transmitted, it does pose a certain amount of risk.
Here’s news from MotoGP regarding Qatar GP
Here’s Vietnam GP updating on their F1 track completion
Here’s FIA on Chinese GP postponement