AUSTRALIAN GP bosses say the season’s opening F1 race will go ahead as planned – despite the outbreak of the coronavirus.
While sporting events, such as the MotoGP in Qatar and the F1 Chinese GP have been shelved, organisers in Melbourne are pressing ahead with plans for the race on March 15.
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The Australian GP is still set to open the F1 season despite the outbreak of the coronavirus postponing the Chinese GPCredit: EPA
F1 teams are concerned about their team’s health while strict travel restrictions could prevent some from even flying to Oz.
But Australian GP CEO Andrew Westacott said: “We are all systems go and gearing up for the 25th Formula One race in Melbourne next week.
“The finishing touches are being put on the circuit, Formula One 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 One 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 Formula One and the teams will not be arriving as usual.
“Formula One 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.”
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
