Supercars and other support races scheduled for Albert Park could also be called off if government action around the coronavirus outbreak forces the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.

While a spokesperson for Supercars said they would be ready to race if required, the situation was entirely out of their hands.

Grand prix organisers are hanging on a decision to be taken in Canberra on Thursday afternoon that will determine the fate of the grand prix this year as the coronavirus wreaks havoc across the world, forcing the cancellation or restriction of crowds for major events.

The Supercar races at Albert Park are run for championship points, so if the entire event was axed organisers would need to stage them later in the season.