Formula One: Negotiations ongoing over Australian Grand Prix amid postponement reports
Race is set to take place on 21 March but travel restrictions in the country could affect plans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Formula One organisers are engaged in “live and active” negotiations with government officials in Australia about the state of the race that is set to kickstart the season on 21 March at Melbourne’s Albert Park track.
European media reported this week that the Australian Grand Prix is likely to be postponed due to coronavirus-enforced travel restrictions.
Last season’s race was cancelled because of the impact of the disease.
“As far as I know, there has been no decision made to cancel, move or otherwise with the Australian Grand Prix,” Victoria state’s Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said on Tuesday.
“[But] those conversations are live and active, absolutely.”
READ MORE: Hamilton’s record-equalling title should open fans’ eyes
The Victorian state government is a major backer of the Australian GP, which had to be canceled in 2020 just two days before the first race of the season was set to begin.
Drivers and teams were in Melbourne last March and were hours away from the first official practice session when organisers canceled the race, with thousands of fans queuing outside the circuit, because of the coronavirus pandemic. A member of the McLaren crew tested positive for the coronavirus after arriving in Australia and other team staff were put into hotel quarantine.
F1 completed a shortened 17-race season, mostly in Europe and the Middle East, with Lewis Hamilton winning a seventh drivers’ title.
Australia’s travel restrictions mean anyone entering the country must spend 14 days in hotel quarantine, making it difficult for F1 teams to prepare for the season.
The Australian Open tennis tournament is set to go ahead – starting three weeks late on 8 February – with players expected to start arriving in Australia next week to begin two weeks of quarantine.
Respected auto racing news site Autosport reported the likely postponement of the Australian race and said the Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for March 28, now appeared poised to become the season-opening race.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments