Formula One's governing body the FIA have confirmed that the Australian Grand Prix will go ahead next month.
The FIA said in a statement that the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne has met strict safety regulations and will host the season-opening event on March 3.
The FIA exonerated themselves of any blame following the death of a marshal in last year's race by stating that the Albert Park circuit was fit to hold the race.
The coroner in charge of investigating the death of volunteer track marshal Graham Beveridge said yesterday in his inquest report that his injuries were "avoidable".
Beveridge, 52, was killed when a stray wheel from Ralf Schumacher's Williams flew through gaps in a safety fence at Albert Park and coroner Graeme Johnstone said in his report that the death could have been prevented.
The FIA, however, issued a statement insisting that the circuit achieved the minimum safety standards and claimed that the 2002 race will go ahead as planned despite last year's tragedy.
"The FIA sets minimum standards, below which it will not authorise an international motor race," the statement said. "It anticipates that the Australian Grand Prix Corporation will continue to endeavour to exceed these standards."
The statement added: "The FIA can now finally confirm that the 2002 Australian Grand Prix will form part of the 2002 FIA Formula One World Championship."
The FIA statement said they could not involve themselves in the inquiry into the death of Beveridge because "to do so on a worldwide basis would consume massive resources without necessarily producing any real progress in safety." -Reuters