AUSTRALIAN Grand Prix organisers insist the F1 season opener will go ahead as planned next week despite Coronavirus fears.
Race officials released a statement on Monday saying it was “all systems go” in Melbourne for the race on Sunday 15 March.
Australian Grand Prix officials are confident the race will go ahead as plannedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
More than 80,000 people worldwide have been infected with the deadly disease, which has caused over 3,000 deaths.
Sporting events around the globe such as Serie A fixtures and Japan’s J League have been cancelled as a precaution.
But F1 bosses are confident the Australian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled.
Australian GP chief executive Andrew Westacott said: “We are all systems go and gearing up for the 25th F1 race in Melbourne next week.
“The finishing touches are being put on the circuit, Formula 1 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 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.
F1 teams are gearing up for the season opener next weekend after completing winter testing in BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors
“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.”
Defending champion Lewis Hamilton is targeting a seventh world title this seasonCredit: Alamy Live News
Lewis Hamilton talks about his experience testing the new Mercedes W11 Formula 1 racing car
The next three races in Bahrain, Vietnam and China are also all under threat due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Lewis Hamilton will be looking to join Michael Schumacher on seven world titles this season after cruising to victory last year.
The Brit won his third straight drivers’ title with his biggest ever points haul after winning 11 of the 21 races.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
