'We are all systems go' says Australian GP CEO

The Australian Grand Prix will still go ahead despite the continued affect of the coronavirus on other sporting fixtures.

Travel restrictions for Italian nationals and those who have visited the country within the past two weeks have resulted in the cancellation of the opening two rounds of the MotoGP season but, with no similar ban currently in place in Australia, the Australian Grand Prix CEO, Andrew Westacott is confident that the race will go ahead.

“We are all systems go and gearing up for the 25th Formula 1race in Melbourne next week,” said Westacott.

“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.

“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."

MotoGP decided to cancel their events due to the large number of riders and personnel who come from or work in Italy, chiefly the Ducati factory team.

Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto has sought to 'know what the situation is' before travelling to Australia ahead of the March 15 season opener. With AlphaTauri also based in Italy and both Alfa Romeo and Haas running Ferrari power units, almost half of the grid could be affected should a travel restriction be enforced.

Westacott stressed that there is currently no plan to introduce such restrictions, adding, “At this stage there is no indication of further travel bans, nor is there any indication that Formula 1 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.”

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