On the day that kicked off the free practice of Australian Grand Prixthe main sponsor of the first event of the season, Qatar Airwayshas announced a drastic change to its program organized for its guests attending Melbourne’s Albert Park.
According to what was reported by theAustralian Financial Reviewthe airline contacted them by telephone to inform them that every hospitality event initially expected was deleted. The final decision was made based on ongoing conflict in the Middle Eastwhich is also affecting Qatar, among other nations.
It would have been inappropriate for the airline to organize hospitality events for some of its guests while others remained stranded in the Middle East: “Due to the ongoing closure of Qatari airspace and the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flight operations – we read in the official press release – the airline has postponed scheduled media and partner events in Melbourne this weekend.”
The events organized by the main sponsor of the Australian GP included a VIP dinner at the luxury restaurant Marmelo of Melbourne (which would have taken place on Friday evening in Australia), as well as access to the F1 Paddock Club.
