OFFICIAL UPDATE
The 2020 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix has now been cancelled.
A statement read: "In light of this decision and updated advice this morning from the Chief Health Officer of the Victorian Government’s Department of Human and Health Services, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation confirms the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is cancelled immediately.
"At 9am today the Australian Grand Prix Corporation was advised by Formula 1 of their intention to cancel all Formula 1 activity at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix."
Full Statement: https://t.co/Dn3w54waTL
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 12, 2020
EARLIER
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed that no fans can attend the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
"What I can tell you is that the Chief Health Officer in Victoria has provided revised updated advice to event organisers this morning," Andrews told reporters.
"He has indicated that they’ve got a choice between running no event or running an event without spectators.
"On public health grounds, there will be no spectators this weekend – if a race actually happens at all, so that’s a matter for them (Formula 1 organising body).
"I think you will hear an announcement, a joint statement, from both race organisers, event organisers and Formula 1 within the hour."
BEFORE
The Australian F1 Grand Prix will go ahead as planned despite a report indicating it would be cancelled due to coronavirus fears.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Paul Little has told Channel Nine that the race will proceed as scheduled over the next three days.
Two senior F1 sources reportedly told the BBC the season opening race would be called off after a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus.
Reigning F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is shocked the race was going ahead as COVID-19 continues to wreack havoc across major sporting events and leagues worldwide.
Qualifying at Melbourne Park begins today. It marks the 25th running of the race in Melbourne.
Breaking- Chairman of the Aust GP Corp Paul Little tells me the Melb Grand Prix WILL be going ahead as planned over next three days @TheTodayShow
— Christine Ahern (@ChristineAhern) March 12, 2020
I asked Paul Little is Melb GP going ahead he said “yes” he then put me onto his media advisor who told me GP proceeding as planned for next thre days, gates open 845am. I repeated it saying I am about to go to air with this info am I right. The reply “yes” @TheTodayShow
— Christine Ahern (@ChristineAhern) March 12, 2020
Seems incredible, but it’s business as usual down at Albert Park for the F1 GP despite BBC reports the plug had been pulled. Everyone buzzing around, the Minardi two-seater doing laps and logistical staff told to operate as normal. Gates open in an hour.
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) March 12, 2020
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