Australia wishes to remain on the schedule at the end of March

The directors of the Australian Grand Prix intend to keep the event as it is in the future, at the end of March, despite low attendance this year.

Over the four days, 286,900 people were welcomed, about 3,000 fewer than in 1997, which was the year with the lowest attendance at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.

This weekend saw two major sporting events kick off. In addition to Formula 1, there was the first day of the football championship that directly competed with the automobile event. Nevertheless, Ron Walker, president of the Grand Prix, believes there is no reason to change the date.

« Facing football, I think we can hold our own. We have had some competition, but we have two completely different competitions, » said Walker to the Herald Sun.

The Premier of the State of Victoria, John Brumby, deemed the weekend a success despite attendance reaching its lowest level in 14 years.

« We are in a much more difficult environment with an economy affected by the crisis and a higher unemployment rate. But all those who said this event would not be a success were wrong. »

« There are people who have come from all over Australia but also from around the world, and when they rate the weekend, they give it a 10 out of 10, » added Brumby.

« In any case, it is an excellent result for the race. »