Gold Coast confirms breakaway race interest

(GMM) Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke has confirmed reports that Surfers Paradise is keen to host a round of FOTA's breakaway series.

Rumors of a 17-race calendar for 2010 did the rounds at Silverstone on Sunday, with Surfer's Paradise as well as former Australian grand prix venue Adelaide both mentioned.

It is believed that Melbourne would be unable to host a round due to its exclusive contracts with Bernie Ecclestone's FOM.

The coastal suburb Surfers, located in Queensland, hosted IndyCars on a street circuit for many years, and late this year will stage a round of the A1GP series.

"We couldn't do this sort of bid on our own but if Queensland Events backed us we would be very interested," said Clarke.

He said the FOTA series could offer an opportunity not viable to the Gold Coast under F1's existing configuration.

"There is the chance this breakaway group might not charge as much as the original series organizers," acknowledged Clarke.