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[darwin dali]

Melbourne will continue to host the Australian Grand Prix until at least 2020 after organisers agreed a new deal for the race.

After a year of negotiations a new contract from 2016-2020 was signed with Formula One Management in London last week to keep the venue on the calendar. State Premier Denis Napthine confirmed the deal had been struck, which includes the right for Australia to remain as the season opener.

"This is a terrific announcement that reaffirms Melbourne and Victoria as the sporting and events capital of the world," he told the 3AW radio station. "We've secured another five-year deal for the grand prix and we've secured a great deal for the people of Victoria that's a better deal than the existing deal.

"The new deal is on the same terms as the existing contract in that it will be the first race of the season, it will be in March each year."

In recent years Ecclestone has threatened to axe the race, but in a press release he was supportive of the event.

"I congratulate Melbourne for the excellent way in which it presents Formula One to the world."

Formula One has been racing in Melbourne since 1996 when the circuit took over the Australian Grand Prix from Adelaide.

Read more at http://en.espnf1.com/australia/motorspo ... rxkvTs8.99


What is he talking about when he says great deal and better deal? Just curious. No word about converting it into a night race - maybe still to come? Maybe the price for the 'great deal'?

[LewEngBridewell]

This is great news for Melbourne. It's a circuit on which overtaking is difficult, but nonetheless, it's a great opener to the season, and quite often the races there are action-packed. Which is why it's also excellent that it'll remain the first event on the calendar.

I personally hope it doesn't become a night-race. Melbourne sunshine, alongside the festival atmosphere of the grandstands, is all part of what makes it a great sporting event.

[Hammer278]

Yeah the night race bullsh!t is a lame marketing gimmick... one race at night on a boring street circuit is more than enough. The only thing lamer is Abu Dhabi's "twilight" race, makes zero difference AFAIC.

[Ferrari man 009]

Yeah the night race bullsh!t is a lame marketing gimmick... one race at night on a boring street circuit is more than enough. The only thing lamer is Abu Dhabi's "twilight" race, makes zero difference AFAIC.

It makes a small difference. At least we dont have to get up early in the morning for the race (1pm local is like 9am UK so gives us a lie in)

[LiamCatterson]

Good news really. I like Australia, not just because it marks the start of the F1 season, but it's a pretty neat track. Would be a shame to move away from Melbourne

[Frontrunner]

Good to see Melbourne will hold onto it till 2020, just got to find some time off to attend one. At least I've got 5 more years of opportunity to go to one.

Melbourne sunshine, alongside the festival atmosphere of the grandstands, is all part of what makes it a great sporting event.

Its not always been sunshine weather in Melbourne Lew. Last few years its been interrupted with rainy weather either in Quali or the race, but when the weather is good, it is nice. Melbourne does have a reputation here in Australia of having all four seasons in one day, 1 minute is glorious sunshine, the next is pouring rain.

Lucky I don't live there j/k if there are any Victorians here