Eastern Creek wants Oz GP

[TheStig]

One for Rom.............

The Eastern Creek circuit could soon undergo a major revamp in a bid to poach the Australian Grand Prix away from Melbourne.

Earlier this year, Albert Park signed an extended contract with Formula One commercial rights controller Bernie Ecclestone that will see the race remain in Melbourne until 2015.

The announcement came as a bit of a surprise because Ecclestone had been threatening to axe the race after the Melbourne organisers refused to agree to running it at night in a bid to boost TV audiences.

Instead they reached a compromise with Ecclestone that will see the race handed a 5:00 pm (0600 GMT) start.

However, Allan Moffat, a board member of the Australian Racing Drivers' Club, thinks it's only a matter of time before Ecclestone once again puts pressure on Melbourne to hold a night race.

Moffat claimed that such an eventuality would allow Sydney's Eastern Creek track to step in and take over the grand prix.

"Bernie Ecclestone will get sick of Melbourne's refusal to host a night race," Moffat told the Australian Daily Telegraph.

"We would be in a position to take advantage. It would cost three times as much to develop a suitable facility on virgin land.

"We have the basis for it right here in the middle of Blacktown, Australia's fastest growing area."


Sydney track willing to hold night race.????


http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12433_3950544,00.html

TheStig

[romephius]

The only problem I see with putting the race in Sydney is the fact that you will take alot of the show away from the race... Sydney is a city without personality.... it's a tourist town that only cares for money...  Melbourne (Adelaide and other cities) care about the show they put on... they simply want to be the best...

But... hopefully we have 7 years to sort it all out... I think the later start will be good for Europe... but bad for the U.S. but I suppose you can't please all the people all the time..

Thanks for showing me this story Stig

Rom

[cosworth151]

I think the later start will be good for Europe... but bad for the U.S.

Well, Bernie says F1 doesn't need us, anyway!

[John S]

Bernie might not need you, but we need all of you over in the US.

[TheStig]

Bernie will always go where the money is.

Abu Dhabi was the threat over Silverstone,to get it to take the finger out and produce a circuit,on a level  being built by all the rich investors.

Under his plans no track is a safe option.
Tike.. can give you modern circuits,but the fans would rather see Silverstone as a venue for this sport we all love.....

You have made enough out of us all Bernie....Time to give something back.

TheStig

[Scott]

Granted Bernie always gets the biggest chunk, but it is also his job as a representative for the team interests (the other 47% or whatever it has evolved into these days) to always go where the money is.  I don't doubt he enjoys the blackmail, but it is actually not only in his interest.