The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has announced that the 2021 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix and the Phillip Island MotoGP™ have been cancelled for the second year in a row due to the ongoing effects of Covid in Victoria.
The Formula 1® event was due to be held at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit but unfortunately has been postponed until 2022 on account of the covid numbers resurgence and lockdown restrictions.
The AGPC has announced that they will continue to work with Dorna Sports and the Victorian Government on rescheduling the events.
“We understand this is not the news MotoGP™ and Formula 1® fans wanted to hear,” Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott said.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Victorian Government, Formula 1® and Dorna Sports for their unwavering resilience and support during this challenging period, and for their ongoing commitment to these two great events,” Westacott said.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman Paul Little recognises that the announcement is also an unfortunate result for the businesses of Phillip Island.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Little said.
The full extent of the financial impact of the cancellation on the Australian events industry is uncertain, but Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, looks hopefully to the future. “Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year to return to Victoria, but we very much look forward to seeing the Australian fans in 2022 and staging another fantastic event together,” Ezpeleta said.
Photo: Steven Tee / LAT Images
