Ian Macdonald, major events minister in the New South Wales state government, has today hinted that Sydney will be pushing for the license to hold the Australian grand-prix from 2015, when the Melbourne-based, Albert Park circuits deal ends.
Macdonald has said that Sydney would be willing to host a night race, something that F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has been pushing for “down under” for over a year. Melbourne bosses have said they couldn’t commit to the expense of hosting a night race and sees the current twilight slot as a perfect compromise.
The majority of the sport’s viewers are based in Europe and as a result, even a twilight race at Albert Park means an early start for viewers – fans in the UK having to set their alarms for as early as 5am to catch the action live.
As well as being able to please European fans, Mr. Macdonald insists that fans travelling to the grand-prix will fare better as Sydney boasts a more tourist-orientated economy.
“Sydney is better placed to be able to generate greater international interest in this event than Melbourne because of its high international standing,” Macdonald was quoted as saying.
In recent years, Melbourne has seen falling receipts and higher subsidies, every year is a reported loss for the circuit. Peter Logan, who is a spokesperson for a Melbourne-based group opposed to the race backs the possible move.
“The total operating loss to date is 205 million Australian dollars (184 million US dollars),’ Logan said. “The last two Grand Prix have lost over 40 million dollars each.”
Logan also insists that the Victorian state government holds-back on the true figures by having government-based entities provide sponsorship.
Drivers including Michael Schumacher and Poland’s Robert Kubica insist that Melbourne is the right place for F1 and insist that the race is “one of the highlights on the Formula One calendar.”
