Melbourne F1 to be spectator-less. Decision to hold race in hands of FIA
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Originally Posted by The Age
Fans about to be told to leave Grand Prix
The Age reporter Paul Sakkal is at the Grand Prix, where he says hundreds of fans queuing at a gate at the Albert Park track for the expected opening time of 8.45am are about to be told to leave the venue.
Police have been telling early arrivers that the 8.45am time would be delayed. A police officer, who didn't want to be named, said the delay was being enforced in expectation of Premier Daniel Andrews' announcement of a spectator ban.
Mr Andrews said the new position came about in light of fresh advice that the Victorian Chief Health Officer had provided to event organisers.
“He has indicated they have a choice to make between running no event or running an event without spectators,” he said.
“From a public health point of view, if it is to be run and I’lll leave it to grand prix officials, the Australian Formula One grand prix organising body to make an official announcement and that will happen quite soon.
“But on public health grounds there will be no spectators at the grand prix this weekend if a race happens at all. That’s a matter for them.”
Uniformed police as well as senior officers are on site preparing to announce the news to fans. Attendees with higher levels of accreditation, like staff and media, are still walking into the race track. Fans have not yet been told of the ban, but this will occur imminently.
Mr Andrews said there was discussions between the national chief medical officer and Victoria ahead of the changed position on the Grand Prix. He said there would be an announcement from organisers later on Friday morning.
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