AGP Claims Pole Position

The easing of Coronavirus restrictions in Victoria has triggered a declaration by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation that it will open the 2021 Formula One season next March.

A posting to the AGPC’s website gives the details.

“The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has been busy gearing up for the return of international motorsport to Australia,” it says.

“AGPC is working closely with Formula 1 and the FIA on the inclusion of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar.”

This is clearly true, but there have been widespread rumours from the grand prix world – reported by Race News – that Australia cannot and will not have pole position in 2021, based on the ongoing restrictions on overseas visitors.

Even so, and despite the last-minute cancellation of this year’s event at Albert Park after positive Covid-19 tests in the F1 paddock, it is bullish about the chances for next year.

“We are pleased to inform you that the event will be held in its traditional March timeslot in Melbourne and will be announced as the season-opening race when the provisional calendar is released in the coming weeks,” says the AGPC.

“The exact date is yet to be finalised, but you can plan with confidence that the event will be held in mid-to-late March.”

It goes on to detail some of the background to planning for 2021.

“Our grand prix is synonymous as the season opener and we look forward to delivering an event in March 2021 that will form a significant part of the recovery of the major sports and events industry in Victoria.

“The landscape for staging major events has changed and we’re working closely with health authorities and the Victorian Government on sensible, flexible, adaptable, modular, and most importantly, COVIDSafe plans for welcoming fans to Albert Park.

In the meantime, stay safe and we will provide further updates, including confirmation of 2021 event details and information regarding tickets and on-sale dates, in due course.”