The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.
Race officials made the decision following updated medical advice from Victoria’s chief health officer.
In a statement, organisers said all ticket holders would receive a full refund.
“Our first priority is the safety of everyone including attendees, our personnel, all event partners and members of the local community,” the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) said.
“All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC, Motorsport Australia, staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, however concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community, as well as the fairness of the competition take priority.”
Racing officials including representatives from nine teams met on Thursday night and concluded the race should not go ahead.
“We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race,” the corporation said.
Earlier, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said if the event had gone ahead, no spectators would have been allowed due to public health concerns.
On his way into the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Sydney, Mr Andrews said the Victoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, had provided updated advice to event organisers this morning.
“He advised they have a choice to make this morning, running no event or running an event with no spectators,” he said.
McLaren Racing pulled out of the race when one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.
It followed champion driver Lewis Hamilton’s comments on Thursday that he was “surprised” the race was going ahead.
The first and second practice sessions were scheduled to take place on Friday afternoon, with qualifying on Saturday and race day on Sunday.
Mr Andrews said any other changes to large events would be made based on advice from the chief health officer.
“If we don’t do everything we can to reduce the number of people who get the virus then we will only add to the number of people particularly vulnerable people who finish up gravely ill,” he said.
The Grand Prix decision could also have implications for the AFL season which is set to get underway in a week’s time.
Mr Andrews said there had been “very detailed” discussions with AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.
“It’s deeply frustrating not to be able to tell you if there will be footy next week but you’ve got to be guided by the advice,” Mr Andrews said.