Australian GP axed for second successive year

The Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled for a second successive season, it has been confirmed.

The race had initially been due to open the season in March but was postponed until November due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the Victoria government has chosen to cancel both the F1 race and the Moto GP that was due to be staged at the Phillip Island circuit in October due to the imposition of strict measures in place regarding the virus.

It was recently announced the number of arrivals into the country was being halved, naturally providing its own obstacle for both events taking place.

While F1 has previously been able to operate its quarantine hubs in countries where severe measures are in place, on this occasion it was unable to find a solution with the relevant authorities.

F1 said via a statement: “While it is disappointing we won’t be racing in Australia this season, we are confident we can deliver a 23-race season in 2021 and we have a number of options to take forward to replace the place left vacant by the Australian Grand Prix.

“We will be working through the details of those options in the coming weeks and will provide further updates once those discussions are concluded.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Paul Little said: “We’re deeply disappointed that for a second consecutive year, both MotoGP and Formula 1 fans won’t be able to see the world’s best riders and drivers compete at the wonderful Phillip Island and Albert Park Grand Prix Circuits.

“We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccinations.

“I would like to reassure our motivated and professional staff, suppliers and partners, as well as the Victorian tourism and major events community that we will work tirelessly to deliver these iconic events in 2022.”

A statement from Victorian sports minister Martin Pakula said: “It’s very disappointing that these much-loved events can’t proceed but this is the reality of the pandemic.

"Until we get much higher vaccination rates we cannot return to more normal settings.

“We are getting to work on plans for 2022 immediately and can’t wait to welcome the world’s best drivers and riders and all motorsport fans back to Albert Park and Phillip Island.”

Last year's Australian Grand Prix was the first to be cancelled after a McLaren team member tested positive on Thursday ahead of the race.

That sparked a swathe of cancellations of the following races before F1 was finally able to produce a 17-race calendar from mid-July onwards.

The news comes just as crowds are returning to European events, with the Red Bull Ring hosting a capacity audience for Sunday's Austrian GP, while Silverstone is set for a 140,000 audience for the British Grand Prix on July 18.

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