Debate over the future of the Australian Grand Prix has taken another turn after it was revealed that a major feasibility study will be carried out into the prospect of upgrading Sydney's Eastern Creek circuit.
With the current venue at Albert Park in Melbourne under threat, not only from the evergreen environmental lobby, but also from
Bernie Ecclestone's demands for the race to be run under lights to suit the European television audience, Australian motorsport bodies are considering alternative hosts.
As a result, the Australian Racing Drivers' Club [ARDC] has commissioned a $350,000 study to determine whether Eastern Creek - which currently hosts A1GP, V8 Supercars and national Superbike and F3 competition - can be upgraded to match the standards set by the newest
F1 venues.
The contract for the race at Albert Park is due to expire in 2010 and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation is currently preparing its case for retaining a round of the world championship in the face of Ecclestone's threats to ditch Australia for one of the countries - such as Russia or Dubai - clamouring for a spot on the calendar.
According to
The Australian, British-based Apex Circuit Design Ltd, renowned for its development of circuits in Dubai, Iceland, Abu Dhabi and Singapore - as well as being commissioned to produce the redevelopment plan for
Silverstone - has been hired to carry out the study, based on the ARDC's plan to create a facility that could run two tracks simultaneously, doubling full-time capability, but focusing on how the main circuit can be brought up to the standards required by
Formula One and
MotoGP.
“[The study is] an essential first step in plans to ensure Australia remained relevant in world motorsport,” ARDC president John Cotter said, “Strong competition from emerging nations to secure major motorsport events threatens to marginalise Australia, with a resulting loss in status and tourism potential.
![James Winslow - Team GBR [pic credit: A1GP]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/405091.jpg)
