Ferrari travel plans unaffected by Italy lockdown

Ferrari confirm that they will be travelling to Australia for the Formula 1 season opening Grand Prix unless they are told otherwise after northern Italy was placed in lockdown on Sunday.

The announcement that northern Italy would be placed in lockdown brought with it fears that Ferrari would not be able to attend and the Australian Grand Prix could be cancelled, but the Scuderia have confirmed that they should still be able to travel.

"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," read a team statement released on Sunday afternoon.

"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.

"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."

Formula One motorsports managing director Ross Brawn has already confirmed that a race will only take place if all ten teams can compete.

Also announced on Sunday morning was that Bahrain will not allow spectators to attend the second race of the season - organisers seeking to minimise the risk of the spread of coronavirus.

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