Coronavirus in Formula One: Ferrari arrive at Australian Grand Prix determined to make Italy 'smile'

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Coronavirus in Formula One: Ferrari arrive at Australian Grand Prix determined to make Italy 'smile'

Ferrari seeking some comfort for suffering Italians at Australian Grand Prix

Published: March 10, 2020 11:58 Matthew Smith, Sport Editor

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Ferrari unpack equipment at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne ahead of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix — Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus. Most teams, including the Scuderia, have arrived in Melbourne and are unpacking equipment for the opening race of the year on Sunday, which organisers have said will go ahead as scheduled in front of packed grandstands despite the coronavirus outbreak. Image Credit: AFP

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20200310_corona_italy — In contrast, all sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 as part of tough measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday to tackle the disease, and Bahrain, the season's second race, has barred fans. Italy's clampdown came into force after the country reported 97 more deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 463. Australia has recorded three deaths with 101 confirmed cases as of Tuesday morning. Ferarri said in a statement that despite it being "a very difficult time in Italy" the Australian Grand Prix would start as planned and the Scuderia "will be there". Image Credit: Reuters

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Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto — "After a long winter working on building and developing our car, the time has come to get a first indication of our performance level and how effective are the improvements we have introduced over the past few months," said Binotto. "We know that the opposition is strong, but we also know that it is the start of a long season where development rate, reliability, and our operational effectiveness will be key." Image Credit: AFP

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Vettel and Leclerc — Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who impressed on his debut last season, will again be in the cockpits. Vettel said he was keen to get racing underway after pre-season testing in Spain suggested world champions Mercedes would be the team to beat once more. Image Credit: AP

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