F1 » Coulthard questions Albert Park protestors

David Coulthard has hit out at those protesting about the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.

The event has been underfire in certain quarters for some time over the amount it has been costing tax payers, with a recent media report suggesting that up to AU$30 million per year was being used to help fund the event.

That figure didn't go down well with those who question the viability for the race, but Coulthard hit out at what he said was 'small-minded' behaviour and said it was 'disappointing' to see people who wanted the race to end.

"If people want to be small-minded and not look beyond their personal needs, then that's disappointing," he was quoted as telling the Grand Prix's Keeping Track Podcast. "It's a great race track within the Albert Park facility, and for the one week of inconvenience where people don't get the access, then I think they shouldn't be so selfish, quite frankly.

"There's lots of things that I don't particularly appreciate in life, but I don't go campaigning against it as I understand there's a lot of people that do like it.

"If people want to be small-minded and not look beyond their personal needs, then that's disappointing."

Coulthard also said he could understand why taxpayers may be asked to help foot the bill for some of the costs involved in hosting the race.

"The licence fee that has to be paid," he said. "Nothing comes for nothing, and licence fees get paid to other sporting events.

"It's a truly international event, Melbourne is already on the world map and it's a great city, but having the Grand Prix there doesn't do any harm to the local economy."

32 comment(s) on this Story

Post your comments on this Story

Return Home | Printer Friendly | Email To Friend