Marko on his Marko's: "It doesn't help at all, there's no logic behind it"

Helmut Marko would not be Helmut Marko if he reacted at the cutting edge to the aid measures and the measures in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The Red Bull Racing adviser is not entirely satisfied with the work of the Austrian authorities and expects his hotels to continue to suffer losses for the time being.

Marko sees it gloomy

"As long as there are no international regulations on border traffic and no air travel, no one knows for sure that he can return to his own country without having to go into quarantine. Until that time, nothing much will change in the current situation," deplores Marko in conversation with the APA. He also wouldn't know why tourists would come to the city at this time? "What are you doing there if there are no cultural or sporting events?"

According to Marko, the Austrians will go to the lakes or mountains sooner this year and will ignore the cities. "It is the city hotels that have been hardest hit," concludes the man from Graz, who is strongly considering extending the reduction in working hours in his hotels for another three months. "We're doing everything we can to keep the staff. We hope that by the end of the summer the situation will have returned to normal, because no one will be able to cope economically, socially and culturally".

Criticism of support measures and corona rules

Marko may be in good contact with the Austrian government about Formula 1 on the Red Bull Ring, but he is certainly not satisfied with the government's financial support measures. "It doesn't help at all. This is nowhere near the loss of profit we are dealing with. I believe there should be better support measures", the Austrian is emphatic.

The contradictory interpretations of the regulations are also reason for Marko to follow up his plea. "Until 11 p.m., the virus is harmless. After 11:01 p.m. it's dangerous to the eyes. There's nothing wrong with four people at one table, but there are five. There's no logic behind it. People need freedom and joy again, people are insecure. That has to go if you want your life back and the economy to flourish, otherwise you can't maintain your prosperity."

Marko busy in the woods

Marko owns about 300 hectares of forest in western Graz. Every day he makes his detour there to let his frustrations run free. "After office hours from 7:00 to 12:00, I go to my forest and work there. I'm in better shape than I've been in a long time," smiles Marko, who has indicated before to bring his chainsaw.