- 27 Mar 10, 01:01#191950
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/melbou ... 5846173977
MELBOURNE will fight a Sydney scheme to steal the Australian Grand Prix.
With the eyes of the world fixed on Melbourne this weekend, the New South Wales Government on Friday set the scene for an epic cross-border battle, confirming that it would consider bidding for a night race.
Should we let the Grand Prix go to Sydney? Have your say in the comments below
It came as 68,000 punters poured through the gates for the second day of the Albert Park spectacle.
The figure, up almost 4000 on last year, has buoyed organisers who've faced increasing criticism that the event is a major disruption and a waste of taxpayer funds.
NSW Major Events Minister Ian Macdonald said Sydney was "better placed" than Melbourne as an international city to host the event.
"There are a few hurdles we will need to overcome to get the track here in Sydney, but I am confident we can work through these challenges," he said.
"Formula One motorsport is a major international event and there is no doubt the Telstra 500 V8 Supercar race in Sydney last year was a huge success.
"It demonstrates that there is strong community support for motorsport in Sydney and we would consider bidding for this event in the future."
Aussie GP driver Mark Webber returned fire, saying it would be wrong to move the signature Victorian event.
"Everyone from Europe loves coming to Melbourne, not just because of the track, but because they can enjoy the city," Webber said.
"Melbourne is the home of sport in Australia so the AGP belongs here."
Grand Prix chief Ron Walker said the NSW Government lacked the focus, passion or drive to seek major events.
"Ever since the Olympics finished the NSW Government has been in hibernation because instead of capitalising on the Olympics they did nothing," Mr Walker said.
"There is not one single sporting event in NSW today that commands a free-to-air audience in the world like this event - that is complacency at its worst."
He said it took an enormous amount of planning and investment to deliver a world-class event.
"We plan years in advance, and you can't just snap your fingers and expect it will work," he said.
"One of the key things that makes Melbourne appealing is its dynamic, exciting street circuit, just 3km from the city centre. It's hard to see how Sydney could replicate Melbourne's winning formula."
Victorian Major Events minister Tim Holding said an interstate event was out of the question.
"Frankly, the NSW Government has again proven they are our nation's biggest blowhards," Mr Holding said.
city! I can't believe I live here. For Sydney to host a GP we need a) a much much better transport system. b) A better track.
