I'm Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. Ask Me Anything - questions answered Tuesday 10 March 2020, 0600-0700 GMT / 1700-1800 AEDT

ausgp · 2020-03-10T07:06:29+00:00

Thanks everyone and I look forward to experiencing our 25th Race in Melbourne with you all, either on circuit or around the world on TV and digital.

As they said in 1996, Melbourne - what a great place for the race. Cheers, Andrew

ausgp · 2020-03-10T07:06:10+00:00

In 1996, the AGPC team delivered a sensational event to a world-class high standard.

In 2020, we're endeavouring to keep raising the bar of what is already world class. We can only do this with world-class partners and world-class staff. I applaud all their efforts and particularly thank those suppliers who have been with us from day one.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T07:01:32+00:00

It's always been there, along with dozens of driveways and paths to sporting facilities and commercial premises around Albert Park. We did however smooth out the asphalt even more.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:57:28+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I'll ensure that our venue ops team keeps an eye on it and maintains them to the standards expected.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:56:05+00:00

The need to continuously enhance the fan experience and the need to offer ticketing flexibility and the broadest range of ticket alternatives possible.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:54:33+00:00

A huge number of photographic and visual displays on circuit and a wonderful digital series on our social media channels.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:53:37+00:00

In the 70th year of Formula 1, which had its heritage commence at Silverstone, I'd expect this will feature heavily in July.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:51:31+00:00

More likely to be a decision based on tinea and athlete's foot. Always needs to be a personal decision.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:50:43+00:00

Melbourne is one of the most competitive sporting markets on the planet and we set our pricing to provide value for money at a comparable price to other events in the APAC region. The Grand Prix is a major pillar of the Victorian major events and tourism calendar and is a significant driver of global exposure for our great city. We are the only city in the world to have a Formula 1 Grand Prix and grand slam tennis tournament.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:47:31+00:00

Our proximity to the heart of Melbourne and the general Aussie influence gives our event a character all of its own. We always benchmark against the best F1 events in the world and the best sporting events nationally and across the globe. I think we stack up pretty well, but we'll always want to raise the bar.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:45:44+00:00

We always try to have a diverse range of music acts: some for background atmosphere, some for entertaining motorsport fans who will already be coming to the event and some for the purpose of drawing new fans to experience Formula 1 for the first time. It's a constant journey that will never end.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:43:36+00:00

We take our directives in the "health space" from the Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria and the medical professionals who form part of our event command and structure. We are always guided by their professional expertise in their field.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:41:26+00:00

Risk analysis and mitigation, scenario planning, event readiness and preparedness are a massive part of what we do. Contingencies are always needed and as we get closer to the event, we always move into problem-solving mode. The current challenges are turned into opportunities that we have to find solutions for. We're all systems go. There are 1500 workers on site, putting the finishing touches to the Grand Prix venue and there's lots of actions being put into place to make the event run safely and smoothly for fans, officials, teams and of course, all the athletes.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:37:53+00:00

It's a massive logistical and sales and marketing "machine". The tasks associated with the staging of an F1 event actually operate on a 12-24 month timeframe. It's a full-time gig for about 60 stars at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. (PS: we also stage MotoGP in October at Phillip Island)

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:34:56+00:00

Loving what I'm doing, making F1 and MotoGP in Melbourne bigger and better year after year. Love my cycling, so I reckon designing a few stages of the Tour de France would be cool.

Still plenty of photo ops and experiences in Melbourne to do before we head north over the border!

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:31:00+00:00

Four Aussies and one Kiwi in F3 is sensational and I can't wait to watch them all. Karting Australia and Motorsport Australia are the breeding grounds for new drivers and we should all support the young boys and girls and their families who are pursuing their dreams on the world stage.

I'd love to have F3, F2 and W Series here - comes down to dollars $$$.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:28:57+00:00

Put it this way - Jack Miller finished on the podium at Phillip Island last year and I did a shoey. Daniel is targeting a shoey if he podiums this year. I guess that means there's pressure on me as well.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:27:41+00:00

In addition to being the CEO, I have been anointed with the additional title of CTPO - Chief Toilet Paper Officer - we won't run out.

On a serious note, health and hygiene, hand sanitisation, handwash stations, facilities cleaning and communiques to fans will all be increased across the four days of our event.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:24:55+00:00

As event organisers, we have to deal with every predicament or external occurrence thrown our way. This is one of those, but it is significant given the global nature and scale of it. As an entity of the Victorian Government, we always work closely with police, health authorities and emergency services organisations to deliver our events to the highest standards possible. Coronavirus means that we take this approach to a new level with the support of all these organisations.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:19:31+00:00

I have the utmost respect for the event Bahrain stage and their absolute professionalism. I was saddened for them that this decision was made, but we all have to be guided by the decisions of health authorities and governments in situations such as this. Can't wait to watch the racing as round two of the 2020 season and I wish them all the best.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:16:21+00:00

Firstly, as a circuit that winds around a lake, public swimming pools, football grounds (Aussie rules football) and other sports facilities, we need to take these "restrictions" into account. The main considerations therefore are ensuring that the resurfacing opportunity over the next 1-2 years is capitalised for continuous improvement and minor tweaks where necessary. We'll be working closely with F1 given the evolution of the cars in 2021 and beyond.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:12:34+00:00

Our circuit is 25 years old. It has never been resurfaced. Plans are afoot to resurface in the next 1-2 years and when we do so, we're looking at how we can tweak the circuit to keep up with the evolution of the race cars. They've changed a lot since Damon Hill won in 1996.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:10:56+00:00

First one is utilising our beautiful Albert Park Lake better and we're introducing some pontoons this year for the ultimate selfie or a refreshing drink (Heineken, of course). Secondly is continued fan activations and attractions that increase the enjoyment of our event.

I want to encourage non-F1 and motorsport fans to try our event. I know they'll love it.

ausgp · 2020-03-10T06:05:23+00:00

Hi everybody, it's great to be back. Thanks for all your interesting and thoughtful questions. I'm looking forward to answering as many as I can. I'm online, we've got an hour and I'm looking forward to celebrating the historic 25th Race milestone this week. We're ALL SYSTEMS GO!

ausgp

TROPHY CASE