FERRARI plan to travel to the Australian Grand Prix as planned this week despite government restrictions in Italy.
The Italian team released a statement allaying fears over their participation in the F1 season opener on Sunday because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Ferrari insist they will compete in the Australian Grand Prix as plannedCredit: AP:Associated Press
Italy has been one of the worst affected countries by the virus with more than 350 people dead and 16million quarantined as of Monday morning.
Sixteen provinces in the north of the country were placed into lockdown while Serie A matches – including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juve against Inter – are all being played behind closed doors for a month.
But Ferrari officials assured fans that the team will compete in Australia with the cars already having arrived Down Under.
The statement read: “Following measures announced by the Italian government last night, we are monitoring and evaluating the situation and are in close contact with the relevant authorities and all organisations involved.
“For Ferrari, compliance with the government regulations represents the primary guarantee for ensuring the safety of its employees and their families which is our priority.
“Every single decision will be made with respect to this principle.
Ferrari cars have already arrived in Australia while team officials are on their wayCredit: Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton test drives the new Mercedes F1 car in Barcelona
“Part of the team and equipment have already arrived in Melbourne and the departures for the remaining members of the team are going ahead as programmed unless we receive communications to the contrary.”
Australian Grand Prix organisers, meanwhile, insist there is “not a chance” that the race will take place behind closed doors this weekend.
Speaking to Australian radio station SEN, Aussie GP chief Andrew Westacott said: “When you look at 86,000 at the MCG last night (for the women’s cricket final) and the footy the week after, we’ve got to go around things sensibly and keep moving on through life while taking the necessary precautions.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
