Australian Grand Prix Called Off Due To COVID-19 Restrictions

The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and MotoGP round previously scheduled to happen in Australia have both been formally called off for the second year straight on Tuesday, July 6, due to the restrictions and logistical challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Formula 1 race was scheduled for 19-21 November, and the MotoGP world championship was due to take place on October 24. The auto race was supposed to be held at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, whereas MotoGP should have taken place on Phillip Island.

However, as the conditions for entering the country haven’t been eased, the racers and all accompanying teams would still need to quarantine for 14 days, not to mention any visitors who came to spectate. The measures in Australia are expected to stay in place until the end of the year, thus severely complicating the accommodation of participants from around the world.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Paul Little AO, said in a statement on Tuesday: “We’re deeply disappointed that for a second consecutive year, both MotoGP and Formula 1 fans won’t be able to see the world’s best riders and drivers compete at the wonderful Phillip Island and Albert Park Grand Prix Circuits. We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccinations. I would like to reassure our motivated and professional staff, suppliers, and partners, as well as the Victorian tourism and major events community, that we will work tirelessly to deliver these iconic events in 2022.”

Hopes are high that Formula 1 and MotoGP races will return to Australia next season and that bettors worldwide will have a chance to make use of all the new betting sites to place bets on their favourites. Despite a somewhat slow start, the Australian vaccination program should cover the majority of the population by the end of the year, resulting in a restriction lift and borders opening.