Australian Grand Prix: No "absolute certainty" event will go ahead

Despite a recent statement from the organisers saying the Australian Grand Prix will certainly go ahead, Australia's Minister of Tourism has now admitted there is no absolute certainty the event will take place on schedule, with the coronavirus situation ever-developing. 

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) confirmed the race, which is scheduled for March 15th, is definitely taking place next Sunday. Reuters spoke to Victoria's Minister of Tourism, Martin Pakula, who put a bit more nuance on that statement.

While Pakula has little doubt the Grand Prix is in actual peril of having to be postponed, with the coronavirus claiming over three thousand lives worldwide but mostly in China and Southeast Asia, he adds there is no guarantee the situation in Australia could worsen.

“All of the indications from Formula One management are that they are planning for the Grand Prix to go ahead,” he explained.

“The set-up is already occurring, we would be expecting machinery and teams to be arriving from today through to the end of the weekend. So we are almost at the point where everybody is going to be here within the next few days.

“But having said that, I recognise the situation is extremely dynamic and to some extent there are matters that are out of control. There are decisions made by the (government) or might be made overseas.

“I’m very hopeful and confident but I can’t say anything about it with absolute certainty.”

Traveling has already been limited severely for multiple teams, especially those based in Italy, and a close eye will have to be kept in Australia to ensure everyone's health and safety.