Ricciardo Wants Australian GP Kept In Albert Park Until 2025

Daniel Ricciardo

Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo "called on the State Government to lock in the contract for the Melbourne Grand Prix until 2025, to guarantee the long-term future of the race at Albert Park," according to Rolfe & White of the HERALD SUN. Sports Minister John Eren "warned Victorian sporting fixtures were under threat from rival states hungry for a piece of the event tourism pie."

A new five-year deal for the Melbourne Grand Prix "begins next year." But a clause in the contract "gives Victoria an optional five-year extension."

Ricciardo "urged the State Government to exercise it."

Ricciardo said, "The sport is in a good place at the moment. I can see the growth in Australia, so it’s on track." Eren, announcing a review of the state’s sporting and cultural events, "conceded Victoria was under pressure to keep its major events," and said, "There are a number of (competitors) out there that would like to see some of our events go to their states."

In February, NSW Premier Mike Baird detailed a A$123M boost to his state’s events budget. Victorian government statistics show that NSW "has added 110 sporting, cultural and lifestyle events to its calendar since 2011" HERALD SUN