Australian GP called off for second year
Melbourne, Australia - The Australian Grand Prix was called off on Tuesday for a second year in succession due to logistical problems caused by the pandemic, but Formula One bosses said they still planned on a 23-race season.
The race had been scheduled on November 21, but hit roadblocks over Australia's requirement for overseas arrivals to undergo 14 days of mandatory quarantine. The 2021 Australian MotoGP in October was also cancelled.
With Brazilian Grand Prix taking place on November 7, drivers and teams would not have been able to complete the required lockdown in time, with suggestions of a more relaxed bio-secure bubble reportedly rejected.
The Australian MotoGP scheduled for Phillip Island on
October 24 fell for a second year with the Malaysian MotoGP brought forward a week to take its slot and an extra race weekend added in Portugal's Algarve on November 7.
Cancellation means two years without a Formula One race at Melbourne's newly-reconfigured Albert Park after the 2020 edition was dramatically called off just before the opening practice session.
Despite the setbacks, Formula One chief Stefano Domenicali said he was confident of still being able to stage a 23-race season in 2021.
"While it is disappointing we won't be racing in Australia this season, we are confident we can deliver a 23-race season in 2021 and we have a number of options to take forward," he said.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Star forward Neymar set up Lucas Paqueta to score the only goal as hosts Brazil beat Peru 1-0 on Monday to qualify for the Copa America final. The semifinal was a repeat of the last final, two years ago, when a Brazil team shorn of the injured Neymar also triumphed on home soil.
The Selecao will play either Lionel Messi's Argentina or Colombia, who meet in Brasilia on Wednesday, in Saturday's final at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium.
"I want Argentina. supporting Argentina because I have friends there and Brazil will win the final," said striker Neymar.
"Paqueta is a great player, he's getting better in every game and in every game with the national team," he said about the 23 year old match winner, who plays his club football for Lyon in France.
"He's just had a great season with his club and is showing that he can be a very important player for the Brazilian national team."
Brazil totally dominated the first half at the empty Nilton Santos stadium in Rio but had to survive some nervous moments after the break before securing a spot in the final.
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The Peruvian shot-stopper Pedro Gallese was the busiest player on the pitch in the first half thwarting the numerous Brazilian attacks.
Brazil deservedly took the lead ten minutes before halftime after
Peru gave the ball away in midfield for the umpteenth time.
Neymar's twinkling toes got him free of three defenders in the box and he teed up Paqueta to fire home from 12 yards.
Peru should have been level nine minutes from time when Yoshimar Yotun fired a free-kick into the box and Alexander Callens beat Ederson to the ball but headed wide from just six yards out.
It would prove their
last chance and coach Ricardo Gareca rued their slow start.
"We paid for being slow to settle into the game," he said.
"The team reacted well in the second half and it was even."