The revolt has begun against Ecclestone…

Formula 1 drivers support the Australian Grand Prix to ensure it remains on the official calendar.

The head of the discipline, Bernie Ecclestone, threatened to make the race disappear after the end of its contract in 2010, unless the organizers agreed to transform the event into a night race to be in harmony with European television.

But the drivers, some of whom completed their first kilometers on the Albert Park track in Melbourne this morning, say they hope the Grand Prix survives.

“I really like this country. There is a fantastic atmosphere in this city,” said Giancarlo Fisichella at the press conference.

« I have excellent memories here. I participated in my first race as a professional in 1996 and won right here in 2005. »

Mark Webber, the only Australian driver in Formula 1, is a strong supporter of the race and has said that everything must be done to keep it.

« The Australian Grand Prix has been around for more than 20 years, it’s a place full of history, » he commented.

« I believe that we must work tirelessly to try to maintain this event as it currently exists. »

He added: « I know that the distance between Europe and Australia is great and this has logistical implications … but once here, everyone is satisfied, it’s a great event. »

The Finnish Heikki Kovalainen, last year’s winner in the antipodes, also raises his voice.

« For me, it’s great. Coming from Finland, I have the opportunity to get a bit of a tan! I hope we keep this race, » he explained in a humorous tone.

The Premier of the state of Victoria, John Brumby, stated that he planned to meet with Ecclestone a little later in the year to discuss the matter privately.

« I am not really in favor of the idea of launching a public debate with Bernie Ecclestone on the Grand Prix. »

« There are ways to negotiate these issues. We will meet face-to-face at the appropriate time to negotiate these matters, but I do not intend to do so publicly, » he concluded.