Australia to be cancelled?
Discussion
Interestingly China is near the start of the season and appear to have nearly no cases and no lockdown or any measures at all based on the photos we were shown for the New Year. They have flights going in and out, unlike NZ and Oz who are still basically telling everyone to go away.
There's also been a lot of talk over how well Vietnam have controlled the virus with no cases either, apparently. Not sure about their borders being open or closed though.
But perhaps that's the first few races sorted. Most likely have to base all the teams out in China given how the UK is essentially a pariah now. But I'm sure the Chinese won't mind. Not so sure about the teams!
There's also been a lot of talk over how well Vietnam have controlled the virus with no cases either, apparently. Not sure about their borders being open or closed though.
But perhaps that's the first few races sorted. Most likely have to base all the teams out in China given how the UK is essentially a pariah now. But I'm sure the Chinese won't mind. Not so sure about the teams!
Flooble said:
Interestingly China is near the start of the season and appear to have nearly no cases and no lockdown or any measures at all based on the photos we were shown for the New Year. They have flights going in and out, unlike NZ and Oz who are still basically telling everyone to go away.
There's also been a lot of talk over how well Vietnam have controlled the virus with no cases either, apparently. Not sure about their borders being open or closed though.
But perhaps that's the first few races sorted. Most likely have to base all the teams out in China given how the UK is essentially a pariah now. But I'm sure the Chinese won't mind. Not so sure about the teams!
China has strict quarantine for anyone going in. That’s not stay at home but be taken to a secure location for 2 weeks and not leave your room. Have 3 meals delivered to your room and temp Taken twice a day.There's also been a lot of talk over how well Vietnam have controlled the virus with no cases either, apparently. Not sure about their borders being open or closed though.
But perhaps that's the first few races sorted. Most likely have to base all the teams out in China given how the UK is essentially a pariah now. But I'm sure the Chinese won't mind. Not so sure about the teams!
Can’t see China letting lots of Europeans in with the high covid rates in Euro.
Flooble said:
Rats, I was hopeful there!
Oh well, guess we might not even get a season then.
We will! See 2020 for details Oh well, guess we might not even get a season then.
Plus the safety of F1, behind closed doors at least, is generally proven. It's in the end a relatively safe way of entertaining hundreds of millions remotely and also being of huge economic value. All the right people to make it happen ASAP are well motivated to do so.
The only potential I see on the horizon for things to be worse than last year is if the new strain from South Africa (or any other that emerges) actually is to a significant extent unaffected by the vaccine. Developing updates to the vaccine and then giving enough people the new vaccine or at least a booster jab could add months on to the current situation and it's resolution. If that were to happen perhaps enough border closures and quarantine rules might remain to make a worthwhile season impossible. That's a very pessimistic view though.
So it looks like F1 couldn’t agree to two weeks’ quarantine, that would have meant everyone being in Australia by about 3rd March for the race on 21st. Quarantining everyone would have meant bringing forward the winter testing, or running it with reserve teams.
Due to the temporary nature of the circuit, the promotors need to make the call early to spend the money getting ready, or not.
Due to the temporary nature of the circuit, the promotors need to make the call early to spend the money getting ready, or not.
Can't say I'm a fan of the current circuit, it's normally a dull race - occasionally spiced up by unreliability but that could be said of any first race destination. I would miss there being an Australian GP full stop though, they're a country very much engaged with motor sport and have delivered a fair few characterful and interesting drivers.
Melbourne itself is also a great city, it's just the present Albert Park circuit that's a bit... Meh.
I feel a little for the fans over there, they'll be gutted if they miss out on a home race for a second season. I know it's only 'postponed' at present, but history suggests that often translates in to 'cancelled'.
Melbourne itself is also a great city, it's just the present Albert Park circuit that's a bit... Meh.
I feel a little for the fans over there, they'll be gutted if they miss out on a home race for a second season. I know it's only 'postponed' at present, but history suggests that often translates in to 'cancelled'.
craig_m67 said:
ChocolateFrog said:
Australia is no loss, I wouldn't mind if it dropped off permanently.
With a few exceptions I'm more than happy for it to a solely European sport again.
How very kind of you, good to know the whole world exists only in your domainWith a few exceptions I'm more than happy for it to a solely European sport again.
It’s usually the opening race and we haven’t had any action for 3/4 months and even then it’s still usually a bit dull.
We’ve had some very good races this year at makeshift circuits.
The key to excitement in many sports is uncertainty. Mixing and matching circuits this year threw a huge amount of uncertainty at the teams - which meant they didn't have the volumes of underlying data that they have for the "normal" circuits.
Also, running the races beyond the normal end of season in colder climate venues also helped add uncertainty - especially regarding tyres.
One of the issues with modern F1 is that the teams "know too much". 2020 negated a lot of this data and threw a lot of stuff up in the air. I'd like to see more of that.
Also, running the races beyond the normal end of season in colder climate venues also helped add uncertainty - especially regarding tyres.
One of the issues with modern F1 is that the teams "know too much". 2020 negated a lot of this data and threw a lot of stuff up in the air. I'd like to see more of that.
Eric Mc said:
Go back to Adelaide 
Amusingly, opportunistically perhaps, another circuit near Adelaide "Bend" has reiterated that it's willing to step in to save the day if F1 could just sling them the $$$ to upgrade their circuit no doubt. Their argument is that they're near Adelaide but not in it, and therefore far safer than a street circuit in Melbourne/Adelaide.Their logic falls down somewhat as I don't think anyone in Aus is worried about the danger of F1 being in the city so much as they are worried about dropping the 14 day quarantine period - which naturally makes all of Aus no go for F1 right now.
craig_m67 said:
ChocolateFrog said:
Australia is no loss, I wouldn't mind if it dropped off permanently.
With a few exceptions I'm more than happy for it to a solely European sport again.
How very kind of you, good to know the whole world exists only in your domainWith a few exceptions I'm more than happy for it to a solely European sport again.
Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff