Final Call On Staging Australian Grand Prix To Be Made In Coming Weeks

Australian GP organisers have asserted that the final call on staging the Australian Grand Prix will be made in the “coming weeks” following reports it could be postponed over strict travel restrictions and the emergence of a mutant Covid-19.

Reports mentioned that the Melbourne-based race, which is due to kick off the new season on March 21, would likely be pushed back to later in the year, with Bahrain poised to open the 2021 calendar on March 28. It pointed to Australia’s tough coronavirus restrictions, which require international travellers to quarantine for two weeks, as posing significant logistical and financial obstacles.

“The Australian Grand Prix Corporation continues to work closely with the Victorian (state) government and Formula 1 on conditions and arrangements relating to the staging of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in 2021,” they said in a brief statement.

“Further detail will be provided upon finalisation of arrangements with all parties in the coming weeks.”

Despite concern about the fate of this year’s race, hundreds of the world’s top tennis players are set to arrive in Melbourne from January 15 for 14 days’ quarantine before the Australian Open.