Webber urges countrymen to back Oz GP

Mark Webber has warned his countrymen they need to give more support to the Australian Grand Prix or risk losing the event from its sporting calendar.

The future of Formula 1's traditional season-opening race in Melbourne beyond the end of its contract in 2010 has been thrown into doubt in recent weeks, with the Victorian state government’s support for the event appearing to waver in the face of increasing costs.

The growing uncertainty over the race at Albert Park has led to a number of other venues in the country touted as possible replacements should Melbourne not decide to renew its deal with Bernie Ecclestone.

Red Bull ace Webber – the only Australian currently on the grid – recently made an impassioned plea for the race to stay in Melbourne and has now called on his countrymen to make the most of the race to ensure it remains.

"It's an absolutely brilliant event and it's one of few international events we have here in Australia," he was quoted as saying in the Australian press.

"If you want to watch the best guys in the world, you need to embrace it and continue to support the event.

"People need to understand Formula 1 a bit more." ITV-F1