Melbourne may quit as host of Australian Grand Prix

Reuters
Wednesday 17 November 2010 11:57 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Melbourne may not continue to host the Australian Grand Prix after the current contract runs out in 2014, the Premier of the state of Victoria John Brumby said today.

The race, which lost almost £30m this year, has been held at a street circuit in the city's Albert Park since 1996, replacing a similar temporary track in Adelaide that had been the venue for the previous 11 years.

Brumby's ruling Labor party is up for re-election this month in what looks like being a close poll and the opposition have questioned whether the taxpayer should continue to pick up the tab for the losses.

"I know there's a range of views in the community and it is a costly major event, but we've got it until 2014," Brumby told ABC Radio. "We'll look at whether we go beyond that, I'm not making any commitment beyond that."

The race lost £20m in 2007 and has posted losses in excess of £24m for the last three years.

Formula One has no shortage of venues and will boast a 20-race calendar next year after the Indian Grand Prix joins the schedule.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in