New Zealand Grand Prix?

The MotoGP World Championship could be heading for New Zealand in the near future, following a $2million funding boost for the Taupo Motorsport Park.

"This investment will give New Zealand a complex that is capable of hosting international racing events," The Daily Post reports Economic Development minister Trevor Mallard as saying. "The Taupo Motorsport Park facilities will be world-class when completed and as good as the best facilities in Australia."

Australia already hosts a popular MotoGP round at its Phillip Island circuit and, as a result of the new investment and track upgrades, Taupo Motorsports Park claims to be negotiating with several major motorsport events - A1 Grand Prix, MotoGP and Japanese GT - with MotoGP the top priority.

The 'paper reports that Taupo is working on a five-year contract with MotoGP organiser's Dorna, with circuit chairman John Parker stating that the championship would bring around $20 million annually to the town and be broadcasted to nearly 300 million viewers worldwide.

Despite its relatively small size, New Zealand has played a significant part in motorsport history - producing the likes of Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon in Formula One - while Hugh Anderson won 25 grands prix, and four world championships, in the 50cc and 125cc Motorcyle World Championships during the 1960s.

New Zealand currently hosts a round of both the World Rally Championship and Australian V8 Supercar championship.