Next weekend’s Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix is set to go ahead as scheduled despite growing concern surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has stated.

World motorsport has already been rocked with a number of events either cancelled or postponed. Notably, on Monday (AEDT), it was confirmed the MotoGP class would not race at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.

The Chinese Grand Prix – which was scheduled across April 17-19 in Shanghai – has already been postponed, while there are concerns for the maiden Vietnamese event, which is scheduled across April 3-5.

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China’s Formula E event, which was set to be held in Sanya on March 21, has been officially postponed.

Monday’s news regarding the Qatar cancellation comes amid tightening travel restrictions from Italy, where many riders and teams are based.

The MotoGP events in Thailand (March 20-22), the United States (April 3-5) and Argentina (April 17-19) could also be at risk amid travel restrictions, while the F1 races in Bahrain (March 20-22) and Vietnam could also be affected.

With regards to next weekend’s F1 race in Melbourne, Italian powerhouse squad Ferrari said it will seek assurances its staff will be allowed to travel, and not face quarantine restrictions, before heading to Australia.

Melbourne’s race weekend is set to go ahead as planned. Source: Getty Images

AGPC CEO Andrew Westacott stressed “the health and safety of everyone” at the Australian Grand Prix is “paramount”, but was adamant the race weekend at Albert Park will go ahead as planned.

“The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has robust health, safety and emergency management arrangements in place at each event and we will continue to work collaboratively with health agencies and related government and emergency services organisations in addressing this matter,” Westacott said in a statement.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the lead-up to the Grand Prix and will take guidance from subject matter experts, including Victorian and National Chief Health Officers and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

“Formula 1 has confirmed that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead and we’re looking forward to welcoming them and the teams to Melbourne in the next one to two weeks.”

‘We continue to closely monitor the situation in the lead-up to the Grand Prix’. Source: Getty Images

Italy has become the hardest-hit European country, with 34 deaths and over 1600 people infected. However, Australia’s current travel advice regarding Italy is only to exercise high caution in the country’s north.

However, Federal Health Minster Greg Hunt confirmed Monday he had asked the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to review the Italy travel advice.

“I have asked them specifically today as part of their work to consider what the appropriate level of advice is for Italy,” he said.

“The good thing is, they make advice, they give advice, without fear or favour.

“But I have specifically asked them today to consider whether or not the current arrangements need to be changed in any way, shape or form.”

Australia currently has travel bans for China and Iran, the latter being confirmed over the weekend.