Bernie Ecclestone says 2011 Australian Grand Prix might be dropped in 2012 – Formula 1 news
Formula 1 supremo, Bernie Ecclestone has referred to the 2012 calendar and said that most probably this season opener race in Melbourne could be the last one, because they have decided to drop a minimum of two races, as the next year calendar is stretched
to its limit.
He also mentioned, they want to fit two other races, which included Austin and Russia, into the next season.
Ecclestone told the media, “Australia is saying they don't want a race. If they want to go, they can go and the next one (to go) is maybe one of the races in Spain and we are alternating in Germany so maybe that's what we will do in Spain.”
Recently, Ecclestone announced that the Australian Grand Prix contract in Melbourne has been extended to further four years and that it will be continued beyond 2015 with a permanent circuit. But now the FIA has altered its decision
with their new plan.
He added, Formula 1 race calendar is stretched to the limit so there is need to drop one or two races. But this year, the Australian GP is very important for Formula 1 teams, as they have already missed out on the Bahrain Grand Prix, due to civil unrest
in country.
A few days ago, Ecclestone admitted, “Australia is as important to us as Monaco. It's part of the world championship and has been for an awful long time. We'd hate to think that we're going to lose Australia.”
The Formula 1 supremo also said that he is looking to cut down the teams in a new Formula 1 deal.
He went on to say, “Twelve teams are too many. Ten is enough because Formula 1 is about competition, it's the peak of motor sport, you shouldn't be there as a spare part. And as for Virgin and HRT, one or two of them shouldn't be there perhaps ... it's a
bit rich for their blood.”
With regards to Albert Park, it was a Local Government area but after it became the home of Australian Grand Prix, in 1996. However, up to $14 million cost has been implemented on its infrastructure and it has been transformed from Albert Park to Formula
1 circuit.
Some Formula 1 teams have moved towards Melbourne for the 2011 opener race but some are still busy learning the new setups of their cars.
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