Sydney willing to host F1 night race

(GMM) Sydney has counted itself as still in the hunt to snatch the Australian grand prix from rival city Melbourne.

Even though Bernie Ecclestone recently dismissed the famous Australian city's positioning for the event, the F1 boss might be interested in new claims that Sydney would be prepared to consider a night race.

While the race's current paymasters have categorically ruled out Ecclestone's demand for floodlights at Albert Park, New South Wales state premier Morris Iemma has promised to look into installing the infrastructure at the Sydney circuit Eastern Creek, which is currently a venue of the A1GP series.

"It's not a blank check, but it could be held at a place like Eastern Creek, obviously with modifications," Iemma is quoted as saying by Melbourne's Herald Sun.

"If formula one is looking for a night race then Eastern Creek could be converted to suit them," he added.

Melbourne based major events minister Tim Holding, however, played down the prospect of a successful formula one bid by Sydney.

"The proof of the pudding is in the tasting," he said. "They have to secure some events and people will take them seriously after that."