Webber pleads for Albert Park reprieve
Mark Webber, Formula One's solitary Australian driver, has pleaded for his home grand prix to remain at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. The contract to stage the event expires in 2010 and the support by the Victorian state government appears to waning due to escalating licence fees.
The government have also been dissuaded by the fact that the 2007 race recorded a substantial loss.
"The energy and effort that has gone in since day one to make Albert Park a venue to race at has constantly gained two or three per cent as a venue for us as an industry to go to, whether you're a driver, journalist, mechanic or team boss," Webber said.
"From logistics from the time the cars get off the planes to spectators to get to and from there, it is brilliant.
"You talk to all the European spectators who come to the Melbourne Grand Prix and they say, my God, we can stay in the city, enjoy the city and go straight to the track."
Albert Park has staged the Australian Grand Prix since 1996 when it took the mantle from Adelaide but reports in Australia have suggested other venues such as the Surfers' Paradise street course on Queensland's Gold Coast or the permanent tracks located on Phillip Island, Sandown and Flemington Racecourse, are all being considered.
"There would be absolutely massive costs to get Flemington underway to hold a motor race," added Webber.
"The other suggestions are also out of the question. I don't see how anywhere else would be anywhere near as good. I just can't see how moving it somewhere else gets away from the problem they're talking about.
"We need to make Albert Park work, that's what we have to do."
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