Australian GP days numbered?
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone cast a cloud over the Melbourne event when he chided the imminent end to a special arrangement to allow tobacco advertising at Albert Park.
Race boss Ron Walker dismissed the cheeky comments, referring to an 'iron clad' contract until 2010, and he is now backed by Victorian state premier Steve Bracks.
But he told the 'Age' that the lost tobacco sponsors will need to be replaced.
Bracks said: ''This has occurred in other countries (so) we have no concerns or fears at all.''
However, as Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher suggested in Melbourne this week, replacing cigarette cash is unlikely to be a dollar-for-dollar affair.
But the German added: ''F1 is strong enough that new advertisers will always be found.''
03/29/06 (GMMf1NET) Australia's grand prix chief has played down reports that the future of the Melbourne race is now under a smoky cloud.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said on Tuesday that there might be 'some problems' with the looming end of legal tobacco advertising at the Albert Park circuit.
The 75-year-old suggested that the government ban might breach the Australian GP's formula one contract.
But Ron Walker, chairman of the Australian GP Corporation (AGPC), dismissed the claim, referring to the race's 'iron-clad' deal until 2010.
''(Banning tobacco adverts) has become very wide now … all over the world,'' he told Australian national broadcaster ABC.
Walker even suggested that Ecclestone may be misinterpreting the technicalities of the Australian grand prix contract.
He explained: ''(It) was negotiated by Mr. (Max) Mosley … directly with the Howard (federal) government.''
03/23/06 (GMMf1NET) The state government of Victoria is likely to pick up the bill for a $20m blow to the Australian GP in Melbourne.
After next Sunday's race, tobacco advertising will be totally banned in the country and at the Albert Park circuit — leaving a huge advertising hole.
And, according to the Melbourne based 'Herald Sun' newspaper, the Australian federal government has said no to a plea for help, with sports minister Rod Kemp insisting: ''There are no programmes in the sports portfolio to support these (kinds of events).''
In the contract with Bernie Ecclestone, Melbourne is obligated to host the race until 2010.
Victorian tourism minister John Pandazopoulos was quoted by the 'paper as saying it was 'disappointing (that) the federal government', run by an opposing political party, 'refused to acknowledge the national benefits' of the GP.
[Editor's Note: This race has always lost money, but with the loss now boosted to $20 million it is questionable whether this race will be around much longer.]