Melbourne's Formula One Grand Prix appears doomed, with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone claiming that he and the sport's teams and sponsors want to quit Melbourne.
Ecclestone wants to chase better money, sponsorship and television audiences in other parts of the world.
He also took a shot at Premier John Brumby, saying he has given the event little support.
Mr Ecclestone said he might move the race to India, Russia or Korea and Melbourne's contract had little or no chance of being renewed beyond 2010.
The London-based F1 chief said sponsors and teams also wanted a move. "Maybe we don't want to be in Australia," he said.
"Our costs are very high in Australia and we get a lot less money. It's bloody bad for us. We've got quite a few places on the list which would like to have Formula One and as it seems your guy (Mr Brumby) down there doesn't want Formula One. We can make him happy."
In a big blow to Australia's hopes of keeping the event, Mr Ecclestone also said:
HE he was under "quite a lot" of pressure from other countries to take the Melbourne Grand Prix abroad.
THE Grand Prix would not move to Queensland, NSW or South Australia - quashing bids by other states to hijack the event.
THE only chance Melbourne had to keep the race was to hold it at night.
Mr Ecclestone said carmakers and sponsors supported quitting Melbourne.
Last year's Grand Prix lost almost $35 million and since 1996, when former premier Jeff Kennett lured the event from Adelaide, it has lost more than $130 million. The Grand Prix is guaranteed at Albert Park for the next three years and this year's race, from March 13-16, is enjoying strong ticket sales.
But Mr Brumby has previously raised doubts about the future of the race in Melbourne. Revenue dropped from $52.6 million in 2005 to $43.4 million in 2007 while expenditure rose from $66.2 million in 2005 to $78 million in 2007.
The licence fee for 2010 is understood to be more than $40 million.
Mr Ecclestone said that if Melbourne were to retain the race, conditions would be non-negotiable. He said: "In Melbourne, if we were to continue to be there, we would have to have a night race - the only option."
He said he had not yet discussed the race's future with Australian Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker. He said his mind would be made up by money, television coverage and sponsors.
"Why wouldn't we take it somewhere else?" he said. "Unfortunately, we would have to consider the financial aspect for a start."
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