'All systems go' for Australian GP amid coronavirus spread

  • Published on 02 Mar 2020 09:18
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

The Australian Grand Prix is set to go ahead as scheduled in under two weeks amid ongoing fears over the spread of the coronavirus.

The Chinese Grand Prix, which was set to host the fourth round of the 2020 championship, has already been postponed.

On Sunday evening, MotoGP confirmed that its opening round in Qatar had been cancelled due to travel restrictions, as countries look to calm to spread of the virus.

Last Thursday, team bosses met in Barcelona to discuss a solution regarding the upcoming championship and the virus, before meeting with F1 CEO Chase Carey on Friday.

Following suggestions that the race event in Australia could be called off, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott states that everything will proceed as planned.

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

“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 Rolex 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 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.”

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • rev937

    Posts: 5

    Please don't panic ATM Australia still safe place to be. To date 30 cases have been reported in Australia and of those, 15 have recovered.

    • + 0
    • Mar 2 2020 - 12:26

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 00:02

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 00:02

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team -
  • Points -
  • Podiums -
  • Grand Prix -
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Nov 22 1953 (71)
  • Place of b. Ireland, GB
  • Weight 0 kg
  • Length 0 m
Show full profile
show sidebar