With the coronavirus plaguing the entire world, a number of sporting events have been cancelled. Formula One has witnessed the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix, but a number of circuit authorities are confident of hosting races. However, Kimi Raikkonen is not too worried about the pandemic.
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To be perfectly honest, the global situation with the infectious virus is looking bleak. However, Formula One is determined to get the 2020 season up and running, and so do the Australian GP authorities.
The country has measures to screen passengers as they enter the country. In fact, a Victorian government spokesman confirmed that there is nothing stopping the Albert Park race going ahead.
“There are a good fifty Formula 1 professionals in Albert Park who have been helping with the construction for days,” Australian GP boss Andrew Westacott told 3AW radio. “The cargo arrives from Friday to Sunday.”
On the other hand, the likes of Bahrain and Vietnam remain mired in doubt. For the former, it got to a stage where they stopped selling tickets for the race.
The travel restrictions will affect the Italian personnel first, which include the likes of Ferrari, Alpha Tauri, and even tyre supplier Pirelli. Vietnam has also disallowed Italian travellers from entering the country without a 14 day quarantine.
Kimi Raikkonen speaks about the coronavirus threat
While most of the drivers have expressed their concerns, two of them are not on the same boat. McLaren’s Carlos Sainz told Spanish media that measures will be taken and it would help the fans exercise a little more caution.
Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Raikkonen agreed with him and told Ilta Sanomat newspaper, “If you tend to worry about stuff like that, I think it’s better to stay at home. There are some things you can’t control.”
Speaking about the virus itself, Raikkonen concluded, “There are so many things that affect it, like what kind of medical care you have. What your health status is, how old you are. I cannot say. It’s not our decision, it’s their decision.”
For now, it looks like it will be all systems go, in Melbourne. So, all 10 teams will be looking forward to the race.
