Could the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix be heading to Sydney’s Eastern Creek International Raceway? Or will it be up the creek after Melbourne’s contract ends in 2010? As they say, all will be revealed in the fullness of time. In the lead up to the 2008 Melbourne Grand Prix there had been plenty of speculation about Australia’s future as an F1 host. One of the major issues with a race down under is the television schedule it creates back in Europe, with a broadcast time in the wee hours of the morning. This year’s race was delayed some 90 minutes to allow a bit more sleep in for European F1 fans, and next year’s race will be further delayed. Mr Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone, has all but demanded Melbourne run the Albert Park race under lights so as to further enhance the viewing pleasure of European television audiences or face losing the event. Mr Melbourne Grand Prix, Ron Walker, would probably like to do what Bernie says, but the costs involved with lighting up Albert Park are cost prohibitive and as a result it is hard to put forward a case for the Melbourne Grand Prix existing beyond 2010. So where does that leave the future of Formula 1 in Australia?
Well, my own gut feeling is that it leaves the 2011 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Russia, or India perhaps. I think it remains incredibly unlikely that Australia’s long term motorsport calendar will include Formula 1. This hasn’t stopped the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) from having a very serious look at what changes would be needed for their Eastern Creek circuit to host the event. Including the addition of lights so the race could be held during the night, which would, of course, placate Ecclestone’s demands. Mr Ecclestone, and a lot of F1 fashionistas, probably quite like the idea of sunning himself on Sydney Harbour as well. From what I’ve heard around the traps the ARDC is deadly serious about bringing F1 to Sydney, an event which is likely to attract the necessary support of the New South Wales state government.
The ARDC’s push has been confirmed in a recent article on the WWOS website which states, “A major feasibility study into upgrading the Eastern Creek facility near Sydney to Formula One standards was recently announced.” Although, if the opinon of 1980 F1 World Champion Alan Jones counts for anything the ARDC should stop right now, “They’re talking about spending $30 million on it, which would probably furnish Bernie’s office but I don’t think it’d build a good F1 track. They’re kidding themselves. If I was a betting man I wouldn’t say F1 is going to be in Melbourne either after 2010.”
ARDC president John Cotter said the Eastern Creek study was “an essential first step in plans to ensure Australia remained relevant in world motorsport. Strong competition from emerging nations to secure major motorsport events threatens to marginalise Australia, with a resulting loss in status and tourism potential.”
Either way the ARDC and their supporters will be watching the inaugural 2008 Singapore F1 Grand Prix (26-28 September)to see how they cope with F1’s first night race held under artificial lighting.
Watch this space. In the meantime, why don’t you leave your comments below and have your say on the future of Formula 1 in Australia…
Further reading:
- NEWS.com.au: Race under lights or lose it, says Bernie
- HeraldSun: Night GP part of Eastern Creek’s plan