Australian GP boss responds to fears for F1 race

Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott says disappointment over the race's cancellation has been compounded by looming bumper crowds at other events.

Yet Westacott insisted that the race's future had not been plunged into doubt after being called off for a second consecutive year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Australian and Victorian travel restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic, combined with low vaccination rates, prompted the official cancellation of both the F1 race and the MotoGP event this year. They were scheduled for November 21 and October 24 respectively.

"It's very, very disappointing but Formula One and MotoGP have to operate in the conditions that prevail in each of the countries," Westacott told TODAY on Wednesday.

"Hallmark events like Singapore, Japan, Canada and Melbourne won't be able to go ahead from a Formula One point of view this year. But in Silverstone [for the British Grand Prix], you'll have 140,000 people in two weeks' time and Austin, Texas will host MotoGP and Formula One within a month.

"It varies on a country-by-country basis and we've got to get it right so that we can stage these events in 2022."

Westacott denied that there was any doubt over the Australian Grand Prix's place in Formula One, or the future status of the MotoGP event. The Victorian Government revealed on Tuesday that discussions were being held with F1 to host the race in April going forward, rather than it acting as the season opener.

"We've had a 25, 26-year relationship with Dorna Sports, who run MotoGP, and the guys at Formula One," Westacott said.

"I've spoken to the CEOs of both organisations earlier in the week. They're disappointed like we are but we've got strong relationships and partnerships. They know how professionally we run events in Victoria and Australia and I've got every confidence that we'll be on the calendar for both event in 2022."

Westacott also dismissed doubt about the races continuing in Victoria, as opposed to other Australian states.

"They've always circled for these big, major events," Westacott said.

"We're the only city in the world with a Formula One event and a Grand Slam [tennis] event and we need to make sure that in 2022 that also holds.

"There's always a lot of cities circling and Formula One is introducing new races all the time. I know there's new races coming up in Saudi Arabia and also Miami early in 2022. It's always competitive in the world of international motorsport."

Westacott offered one word of caution, saying that the premium motorsport events could not be taken for granted.

"You can never take your eye off the ball and you can't take it for granted and there are options available," he said.

"We've got strong partnerships and the dialogue is strong and I do expect them to be here at Albert Park and here at Phillip Island in Victoria in the future – but we've still got work to do to make sure that all the conditions [are met] and all the parties are able to agree on those conditions."

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