JANUARY 16, 2002

Work starts in Melbourne

The construction work for the 2002 Australian GP has begun in Melbourne, despite the fact the race has still to receive an official green light from the FIA.

THE construction work for the 2002 Australian GP has begun in Melbourne, despite the fact the race has still to receive an official green light from the FIA. The federation is waiting for the publication of the official report from coroner Graeme Johnstone after the inquest into the death of trackside marshal Graeme Beveridge during last year's race. The coroner has already said that he sees no reason why the race cannot ahead this year as planned but that has yet to be made official - and until it is, the FIA is refusing to budge.

Unfortunately, preparing for the race takes time and so the Australian Grand Prix Corporation has reached the point that it cannot wait any longer to start work and is gambling that all will go ahead without drama.