MARCH 6, 2015

Australian GP denies boycott threat

Australian grand prix organisers insist next weekend's 2015 season opener in Melbourne will not be boycotted.

Australian grand prix organisers insist next weekend's 2015 season opener in Melbourne will not be boycotted.

German reports had suggested teams had safety concerns about racing in light of the mysterious circumstances of Fernando Alonso's recent testing crash.

But Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Andrew Westacott played down the claims.

"We're talking to the teams, formula one and the FIA multiple times every day and a boycott certainly hasn't been raised or discussed," he told AAP news agency.

"All the teams are coming to Melbourne; they're excited about the start of the new season, the freight is on its way, formula one personnel are on site at Albert Park setting up the broadcast and from our perspective it's 100 per cent all systems go," Westacott added.

"We hold no fears about anything apart from containing the enthusiasm of the Australian public across the four days."

(GMM)