The Gold Coast would need a multimillion-dollar road overhaul and a spare $40 million to secure a Formula One event, according to rival international open wheel racing organisers.
Australian A1 Grand Prix boss Alan Jones yesterday dismissed speculation the Gold Coast racing track could become the Monaco of the southern hemisphere, citing the road surface and the State Government’s lack of spare cash to make a bid.
“Surfers Paradise is a promoter’s dream location but the circuit could need an enormous upgrade to meet F1 standards and the Government would have to fork out a damn sight more than what they are paying for A1GP,” he said.
Gold Coast Nitro SuperGP general manager Greg Hooton said the Gold Coast would need longer run-offs and wider street circuits and a road surface upgrade to earn a Federation Internationale de l’Automobile grade one licence.
He said the Gold Coast and the State Government had made a wise choice by signing with the more stable A1GP for the next five years rather than becoming embroiled in the ongoing Formula One turmoil.
“A1 is the right solution for the Gold Coast — it suits the track, it is an international competition, it will receive television coverage and the Ferrari-powered cars are just as fast and powerful,” he said.
Mr Hooton said support for the event was growing weekly with ticket sales tracking along with last year’s Indy efforts.
The inaugural Gold Coast event in October also includes the V8 Supercars Championship Series, a major drawcard for many fans.
Gold Coast-based supercars executive chairman and acting CEO Tony Cochrane said he was happy for the V8 round to align with A1GP.
“Formula One is the greatest racing sport in the world but we have to realise that the Gold Coast has no chance of ever hosting an F1 race,” he said.
[source: goldcoast.com.au]
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He said the Gold Coast and the State Government had made a wise choice by signing with the more stable A1GP for the next five years rather than becoming embroiled in the ongoing Formula One turmoil.
Thank you Mr Jones.. your words of wisdom will no longer be noted !