Melbourne Sign New Deal to Host Australian GP Until 2020

Melbourne has retained the right to host the Australian Grand Prix for a further five years after securing a new rights deal with Formula 1 until 2020.

Albert Park has hosted the Australian Grand Prix every year since 1996 when it switched from Adelaide and has established itself as a firm favourite amongst drivers and fans. Its current contract was set to expire in 2015. 

The new deal, which comes after more than twelve months of negotiation, will see the race remain in Australia’s second largest city  taking it up to 2020. 

Keen to capitalise on the success of Australia’s own Daniel Ricciardo, who celebrated his second F1 win in Hungary last week, Premeir of Victoria Denis Napthine is hopeful that it continue to entice large crowds and TV audiences. 

“Within this contract we hope to see Australia’s own Daniel Ricciardo win the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and become World Champion.” 

“Formula 1 is a key pillar of Victoria’s major sporting events strategy. This calendar is unrivalled worldwide, commencing with the Australian Tennis Open and Asian Football Cup in January, followed by the ICC Cricket World Cup in February, the Formula 1  Australian Grand Prix in March, the AFL Final Series, and the Spring Racing Carnival,” Dr Napthine said. 

The Australian Grand Prix has become the traditional host for the F1 curtain raiser having hosted the opening round each year since 1996, save for 2006 and 2010. 

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