Sydney assesses its chances in Formula 1

The Australian Grand Prix seems to be increasingly moving towards the Sydney circuit, as a feasibility study will be undertaken in the coming weeks to improve the Eastern Creek track.

The study, which will cost nearly 350,000 dollars according to Australian sources, aims to determine whether the circuit can be upgraded to host a Formula One Grand Prix.

It will be carried out by ‘Apex Circuit Design’ and will be completed during the year.

It is the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne that currently hosts the Australian F1 race, but the contract expires at the end of 2010. The head of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone, does not wish to renew the agreement unless the race is held at night.

The organizers have clearly stated that they are not ready for this kind of event due to the very high costs involved.

The President of the ‘Australian Racing Drivers Club’, John Cotter, stated that the study was an essential first step to ensure Australia remains an integral part of the automotive world.

« The strong competition from emerging countries such as those in the Middle East risks marginalizing Australia, leading to a loss of its tourism potential. »

The Oran Park circuit southwest of Sydney is increasingly neglected, so only Eastern Creek remains. Its use can be quickly amortized, added Cotter in the columns of The Australian newspaper.

Eastern Creek was built in 1990 and has hosted several motorsports such as the Motorcycle World Championship, the A1GP, the Australian V8 Supercars Championship, and the Superbike Championship.