 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Jan 24
Bernie Ecclestone has hit back at the latest controversy surrounding the cost of Melbourne’s annual grand prix.
After reportedly seeing secret documents, local media this week revealed for the first time that the government pays a more than $30 million race fee to the sport, which increases by 5 per cent every year until the end of the contract in 2015.
Mar 24
Ecclestone not in New York for F1 race talks
Bernie Ecclestone has stepped up his attack on Jean Todt, highlighting a growing rift between F1′s chief executive and the head of the governing FIA. Ecclestone said recently he is “at loggerheads” with Todt over the 2013 engine rules, with Todt responding this week: “I hear about the (engine) noise, but that’s evolution.” The 80-year-old, in London this week rather than travelling to Australia for the season opener, has replied with a stinging attack on Frenchman Todt — “a poor man’s Max.”
Mar 23
“Every time I come down here we see all the anti-grand prix debate”
The Victorian government has played down the prospect of the under-fire Australian grand prix being moved to a permanent circuit outside of Melbourne. As speculation continues about the race’s future beyond its 2015 contract, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker recalled recent plans for a purpose-built facility at Avalon, an airport 50 kilometres south of the city.
Feb 04
Melbourne will stage another ‘twilight’ grand prix this year.
The 2010 edition at Albert Park was criticised by drivers who said fading light towards the end was dangerous. But Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker had denied reports that the drivers had lobbied successfully for an earlier race start, while Bernie Ecclestone favoured the twilight concept for European television viewers.
Jan 28
“There are a number of people who the race could go to, such as Russia, India and Warsaw in Poland”
Melbourne grand prix boss Ron Walker has named some unusual rivals who could take the country’s formula one race from Australia. As a spat between Melbourne’s Lord Mayor and Bernie Ecclestone develops, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Walker warned that there are plenty of alternative hosts bidding to slot onto the sport’s crammed annual calendar.
Since 1996, the Albert Park event has been funded by the Victorian taxpayer, but the events minister of the New South Wales government has admitted he is bidding to have the race switched to Sydney. 
Organisers of the Australian grand prix revealed that March’s Melbourne event cost taxpayers $40 million (AUD). 
The head of the local state Victoria has confirmed the government would pull its backing of Melbourne’s formula one race if a breakaway depletes the grid of its star names.