F1 News
"A fantastic vote of confidence" as Melbourne renews its F1 contract
Martin Pakula the Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events in Australia has expressed his satisfaction with the new deal which will see the Australian Grand Prix host races until at least 2025.
The race has been held at Albert Park since 1996, being the first race on the calendar in every season since, bar 2006 and 2010. The 2019 race was won by Valtteri Bottas after he overtook his teammate Lewis Hamilton to take the opening win.
Although it is only confirmed to be the opening race in 2020, Pakula the minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events believes it is a vote of confidence for the track, which has been criticised for the lack of excitement at the race.
“This is a fantastic vote of confidence from Formula 1 to continue racing in Melbourne until at least 2025," Pakula told the F1 website.
"Victoria hosts major events better than anywhere else in the world and I’m excited that Formula 1 has chosen to exercise its option to extend the contract and enable the Victorian Government and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) to continue to deliver more world-class events for Victoria.
"The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix has contributed significantly to Melbourne’s standing as a global sporting and major events capital and the event is a key pillar of Melbourne’s and Australia’s international sporting calendar."