Ecclestone may skip first race of 2008

(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone might not travel to Australia for the opening grand prix of the 2008 season.

The 77-year-old F1 chief executive does not always make the 22-hour flight from his London base to Melbourne.

But, due to the current state of flux in negotiations over the future of the event, his absence in 2008 will add fuel to speculation that the southern continent could be cut from the calendar.

Australian GP Corporation boss Ron Walker told reporters on Monday that he does not know if Ecclestone will be at Albert Park at the weekend.

"He hasn't made up his mind, he has a very busy calendar. I don't know yet," he said.