Australian Grand Prix CEO Andrew Westacott said there would be “zero chance of cancellation” of the 2022 race at Albert Park. PHOTO: AGPC 

BRENDAN LINES January 21, 2022

AUSTRALIAN Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) CEO Andrew Westacott assured there would be “zero chance of cancellation” of this year’s Formula 1 race at Albert Park.

Westacott gave the assurance when presenting a first look of the newly resurfaced Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on Friday.

It would mean an end to the long-awaited return of the Australian Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar after its two-year hiatus.

The cancellation of the  2020 Albert Park race would be notoriously remembered when thousands of fans were left stranded at the gates on the opening morning of the race, the first world-class event to be a casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But nearly two years on, 39 successful grands prix have been held across the pandemic-stricken world, with varying local testing and border controls.

Mr Westacott stressed the AGPC and Victorian Government had an “underlined and defined position” the race would go ahead as a double-vaccinated event and would be avoiding any kind of exemption.

In the wake of the Australian Open tennis saga ending in the Australian Government’s deportation of Novak Djokovic “there won’t be exemption sought for anyone, from anyone,” Mr Westacott said.

“Formula 1 has always recognised around the world it needs to comply with the rules for the borders of the jurisdictions in which they race.

“They’ve raced in 41 locations since Melbourne in 2020.

“We’re going to be welcoming them back in the country and they know the rules and we’re comfortable with that.”

The promise of a race finally returning to Albert Park was aimed at fans twice-bitten by the 2020 and 2021 cancellations.

“People should be confident to come out and purchase tickets…” Mr Westacott said.

“I really did feel disappointed for those fans who were at the gate on the morning of the Friday, 13th of March. And we want to make sure we’re welcoming them back here for a great weekend of entertainment.”

Work building grandstands and facilities around the circuit for the race in April will begin on February 1.

With the freshly laid asphalt and upgrades to the track surface now complete, significant changes include modifications to seven corners, in the hope of faster and more competitive racing.

The Australian Grand prix will be held from April 7-10, 2022.