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[darwin dali]

If they are as you say the world's best sports fans, why is the GP in Melbourne struggling financially?

[Denthúl]

Not having an Australian GP would, to me, feel just the same as not having a British GP at Silverstone or Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps. It's become a great part of modern Formula 1 and it's one of the most anticipated races for me, since it's the first real sign of who is where and what can happen. If they moved the race to another country, particularly somewhere that doesn't have any kind of Formula 1 history (drivers, previous races there etc.) then it just wouldn't be right. The first and last races of every season should be something special.

[onelapdown]

If they are as you say the world's best sports fans, why is the GP in Melbourne struggling financially?

For the same reason Silverstone struggles financially, despite being packed year after year. Bernie expects circuits to pay him to host a race, AND he owns all the circuit's advertising rights and race naming rights. The only way Silverstone finds the GP even half-way financially worthwhile is from the revenue it gets the rest of the year on the back of being the host of the British GP. Albert Part doesn't get this revenue, so I would imagine the Victorian state government funds it as a way to draw in tourists. If Bernie keeps asking for more sooner or later it won't make financial sense.

[bud]

Why is it important to have a GP down under?

why is it important to have one anywhere?