Australian GP pressing ahead with fan attendance plans

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The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is working with Melbourne local government and health authorities on a plan to allow fans to attend next year's season opening round at Albert Park.

Melbourne is scheduled to kick off the F1 season on March 21, a year after a last-minute cancellation due to the coronavirus deprived Aussie F1 fans of one of the sport's most popular events.

To stem the spread of COVID-19, the state of Victoria imposed a long drawn out strict lockdown on its citizens. But at the end of last month, after 111 days in isolation and with the virus subdued, Melbourne finally emerged from the restrictive period

Barring any catastrophic re-acceleration of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, Aussie GP organizers are confident that they will be able to welcome race fans to their event next March.

"We're thrilled that the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship will commence at its traditional home here in Melbourne," said AGPC CEO Andrew Westacott.

"We continue to work closely with health authorities and the Victorian government as we develop our plans for fan attendance, which will be announced when finalised."

Read also: Formula 1 releases provisional 23-race 2021 calendar

Westacott said that Albert Park's specific environment represented the "perfect opportunity" to stage a safe event.

"We're adopting a sensible, adaptable and flexible approach, ensuring that a safe environment for fans and participants is our top priority.

"Our massive parkland venue with 10.6 kilometres of track frontage provides us with the perfect opportunity to create a COVID-safe venue."

As Melbourne returns to a semblance of normalcy, how the coronavirus pandemic will evolve in the coming months globally will determine the country's policy regarding its borders.

Quarantine measures could be imposed on Formula 1 personnel entering the state, a decision that would further complicate logistics for the opening event of the 2021 season.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.