The season-opening Formula One race in Melbourne will proceed as planned this week and there is "no chance" fans will be excluded because of coronavirus fears, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Andrew Westacott said on Monday. 

The fourth round of the championship in Shanghai in April has been postponed, while organizers of the Bahrain Grand Prix said on Sunday that their race would go ahead without spectators March 22. 

But Westacott said that won't be happening in Melbourne. 

"Not a chance…When you look at 86,000 at the MCG last night ... we've got to go around things sensibly and keep moving on through life while taking the necessary precautions."  

Westacott added that ticket sales were "very strong" with more than 300,000 fans usually flocking to Albert Park. 

Most teams are already in Australia or en route, including powerhouse Ferrari and Honda-powered Alpha Tauri (formerly Toro Rosso) from their bases in Italy, where has seen a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

There were fears that the Australian government could bar travel from Italy, which would have prevented staff from the two teams being at the grand prix.

But it has yet to do so with travelers from Italy still granted entry with more stringent health checks.

"The interesting thing is the Italian freight. The Alpha Tauri cars and the Ferrari cars are on their way from Melbourne (airport) as we speak, so it's really good. The key personnel are on their planes," said Westacott.

He said the only Ferrari people not arriving from Italy were drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who were heading from Switzerland and France respectively.

"All the others are on their way, and we're expecting (them) in the next 12 to 24 hours."

Victoria State Health Minister Jenny Mikakos told media the fact there had been no reported cases of community transmission of the virus meant the race could go ahead.

Big crowds are also expected for the start of the Australian Football League season later this month.

(With input from AFP and Reuters)