The MotoGP event at Phillip Island, scheduled for 24 October, has also been cancelled, as it was in 2020.
“Given the very low national two-dose-vaccination numbers, and given the decision of national cabinet on Friday, we’re simply not in a position to give F1 management or MotoGP the sorts of guarantees and assurances and comfort that they need this week,” the Victorian Sports Minister, Martin Pakula, said.
It was not immediately clear where a replacement race would be held, but Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali said he expected a full season to be delivered without Melbourne.
“While it is disappointing we won’t be racing in Australia this season, we are confident we can deliver a 23-race season in 2021 and we have a number of options to take forward to replace the place left vacant by the Australian Grand Prix,” Domenicali said.
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Australian F1 Grand Prix and MotoGP to be called off
Issued on:
06/07/2021 - 04:10 The Australian Grand Prix is expected to be cancelled for a second year William WEST AFP 2 min
Melbourne (AFP)
The Australian Formula One Grand Prix and MotoGP are set to be cancelled on Tuesday for a second straight year because of the coronavirus pandemic, AFP understands.
Organisers planned to stage the races in October and November, but have hit roadblocks over Australia s requirement for overseas arrivals to undergo 14 days of mandatory quarantine.
An official announcement by Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Andrew Westacott is expected later Tuesday, AFP has learned.
Australian Grand Prix Formula 1 race canceled in November
July 6, 2021 GMT
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) The Australian Grand Prix has been canceled after local organizers and Formula One couldn’t come up with a compromise over Australia’s strict travel and quarantine issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The race was postponed from its original season-opening spot on the F1 calendar on March 21 and had been rescheduled for Nov. 21.
The 2020 Australian GP at the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne last March was called off at the last minute at the start of the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.
“It’s very disappointing that these much-loved events can’t proceed but this is the reality of the pandemic, but until we get much higher vaccination rates we cannot return to more normal settings,” Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula said.
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