Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO dismisses talk of teams boycotting race over safety fears.

As speculation over Fernando Alonso's Barcelona test crash continues, some (German) media have outlets have talked of teams boycotting next weekend's season opener on safety grounds, citing fears that the electrical system associated with the McLaren-Honda's hybrid technology was at fault.

However, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott, has dismissed the boycott claim.

"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 the West Australian. "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.

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

The teams threatening the boycott - could they be the same teams that were threatening boycotting races at the end of 2014, or the teams claiming insufficient funding to start this season - say they are unhappy with the lack of information McLaren is sharing in terms of the circumstances surrounding Alonso's crash.

However, the Woking team stands by its original comments that "there is no evidence that indicates Fernando's car suffered mechanical failure of any kind".

The team also insisted: "We can disclose that no electrical discharge or irregularity of any kind occurred in the car's ERS system, either before, during or after the incident."

Meanwhile, according to the Daily Telegraph, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has written its members today (Friday) assuring them that it will continue pressurising McLaren and the FIA in terms of the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Editor, 08/03/2015 8:37

"@TokyAussie

As in previous years everything will happen at the last minute - the weekend of the GP - and none of it will be ready. That's in termsp of the app - now that its under FOM control - and the OFFICIAL website."

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2. Posted by TokyoAussie, 07/03/2015 14:50

"Teams boycotting? Where do they get this stuff.

Will Bernie & FOM boycott the race? There are 5 days to go, and still no app (I can't find it). They should just push 2015 data to the existing app, but I suspect they'll make it a new purchase. But when?"

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3. Posted by Hondawho?, 06/03/2015 15:07

"Lighting only strikes twice, that is unless you are sitting in a McLaren electric car!. I blame ASIMO!"

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4. Posted by Joop deBruin, 06/03/2015 14:50

"Shocking! Just shocking I tell you! Are you sure you're truly plugged into the situation Mr. Westacott?"

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5. Posted by scf1fan, 06/03/2015 13:41

"As much as I'm for safety in F1, this would be the stupidest thing possible!! The teams ran these same basic units all last year, and all through testing this year . . . And now, after 1 event, by the manufacturer (Honda) with the least experience with these units, someone thinks there should be an uproar. (And no one is "sure" yet as to what is the problem. Telemetry would have shown some unusual power discharge . . . or it would have played some obvious havoc with the steering wheel controls!) I'm also for full disclosure/sharing on safety issues between the teams, and if it is found that McLaren/Honda is hiding facts related to this event then they should be greatly penalized. (Or perhaps to the extent that, if they've been less than forthcoming, they might be excluded from Melbourne.) But Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes have had no indication of any issues (or they would be equally guilty of the same lack of transparency) so the discussion of a boycott is ridiculous."

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6. Posted by Peter W, 06/03/2015 12:40

"we didnt need these techno gizmos in the first place"

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Australian GP boss dismisses boycott threat

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