- Australian Grand Prix
Albert Park will not lose race
ESPNF1 Staff
May 16, 2011
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The race has previously been criticised for causing too much disruption and expense © Sutton Images
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Victoria state officials have said that the Australian Grand Prix will remain at Albert Park as long as the race continues to be held in the state.
In the build-up to this year's race, there was much speculation about the future of the grand prix due to the cost of hosting the race in Melbourne each year, with organisers looking in to the possibility of creating a purpose-built facility in nearby Avalon. That option has now been dismissed, however, with the cost of moving the race being estimated at £200 million.
The government's major events minister Louise Asher told a parliamentary budget hearing that the venue would remain the same, but said she would be seeking to reduce the cost to the state when the race's contract comes up for renewal.
"The Grand Prix is going to stay at Albert Park," she said. "One of the reasons the branding of Melbourne has been so successful is that the Grand Prix is at Albert Park.
When we come to negotiate we will play hardball. The contract that the previous government signed is an expensive contract. I think taxpayers could get a better deal if the contract had less in it for my good friend Mr Ecclestone and more in it for Victorian taxpayers."
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ESPN Staff
This is great news. Now that Albert Park is confirmed as the venue, the whole place needs resurfacing. Overall cost reduction can be achieved by increased use of the permanent facilities in the park. A re-profiling of turns 3, 4 and 5 could take advantage of the grandstand and facilities of the MSAC and the improved Lakeside Stadium. A better series of corners for racing could be created, spectators would have access to superior facilities, the cost of hiring temporary facilities would be reduced and the operators of those facilities would have increased income to offset other lost revenue during Grand Prix weekend.