All eyes turn to Australia as the first race of the 2020 season approaches. Australian GP organizers, so far, haven't taken a hint from China, Bahrain, the Le Mans 24 Hours bike race, Formula-E, the entire NBA, one of their own scheduled performers, nor team personnel showing possible symptoms, and plan to run the season opener as scheduled this weekend.
Don't get me wrong: I'd love to see Ricciardo put together a properly good outing in Australia for a change! But, next to other events cancelling or postponing, it feels like organizers are risking a larger COVID-19 outbreak. On a dark comedy note, I have quite enjoyed the Australian Grand Prix Corporation's press releases. CEO Andrew Westacott's word economy is impressive. Let's look at the full statement regarding coronavirus testing:
Westacott's statements are as terse as they are brief. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization stepped up their efforts to communicate how best to manage the current situation.
Even though everyone's already on site and hanging out in Albert Park, do you think the Australian GP should carry on this weekend? What do you think will happen should any of the team members in isolation test results show positive?
UPDATE: Following a positive test, McLaren Racing withdraws from the Australian GP.
UPDATE: F1 and FIA are in talks to decide next steps in Australia.
UPDATE, OVER 11 HOURS AFTER STARTING MEETINGS: F1, FIA, and AGPC have cancelled the 2020 Australian Grand Prix.
Don't get me wrong: I'd love to see Ricciardo put together a properly good outing in Australia for a change! But, next to other events cancelling or postponing, it feels like organizers are risking a larger COVID-19 outbreak. On a dark comedy note, I have quite enjoyed the Australian Grand Prix Corporation's press releases. CEO Andrew Westacott's word economy is impressive. Let's look at the full statement regarding coronavirus testing:
Westacott's statements are as terse as they are brief. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization stepped up their efforts to communicate how best to manage the current situation.
Even though everyone's already on site and hanging out in Albert Park, do you think the Australian GP should carry on this weekend? What do you think will happen should any of the team members in isolation test results show positive?
UPDATE: Following a positive test, McLaren Racing withdraws from the Australian GP.
UPDATE: F1 and FIA are in talks to decide next steps in Australia.
UPDATE, OVER 11 HOURS AFTER STARTING MEETINGS: F1, FIA, and AGPC have cancelled the 2020 Australian Grand Prix.
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