In the wake of Motorsport UK banning co-drivers from rallies for the foreseeable future, Motorsport Australia have made their position clear to RallySport Magazine.
A new document released by Motorsport UK yesterday stated that "It is unlikely that vehicle sharing, passengers or co-drivers will be permitted while social distancing is to be respected".
However, according to Michael Smith, Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations at Motorsport Australia, that won't be the case in Australia.
“As part of our detailed Return To Race strategy, we have outlined the processes in place for events to return, and that also includes allowing rally and off road events where a driver and co-driver will be in the same vehicle,” Smith said.
“Where a co-driver is required, we will ensure event organisers put in place various risk mitigation strategies, which will include temperature checks and of course ensuring that if anyone has any symptoms they are not to attend an event.
“Based on the expert medical advice we have received, and given the low number of cases in Australia, the risk of transmission of the virus between a driver and co-driver is very low.”
That's good news for local rallying, which looks likely to return in early July if the current easing of lockdown measures from COVID-19 continue.
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