Melbourne’s grand prix crisis has deepened even further, with reports that formula one officials have approached a rival Australian government with a proposal to move the race from Albert Park.
Following revelations of record losses and the flagging support of the Victorian government, the newspaper Gold Coast Bulletin claims the Queensland government was contacted some time ago by representatives of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.
The Queensland government said it would give any proposal “appropriate consideration” but is reluctant to take on “someone else’s (A)$35 million bill”.
Melbourne’s current grand prix contact runs until 2010.
Queensland Events Corporation chairman Des Power confirmed: “It was a clandestine approach but the price tag was enormous.”
It is presumed that the possible venue of a grand prix on the Gold Coast would be the street circuit that is currently used annually for the American open wheeler series Champ Car.
Power added: “If we were again approached by F1, obviously in collaboration with (Champ Car race) chairman Terry Mackenroth, any proposition would have to be given appropriate consideration.”
