Red Bull racer Daniel Ricciardo says he won't be taking a back seat to four time champion Sebastian Vettel when the Formula One season begins in Melbourne this weekend
F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo races a F/A-18 Hornet on the runway Sale Air Force Base
AUSTRALIA’S lone Formula One star has pleaded with the Napthine Government to extend Melbourne’s Grand Prix contract, saying it would “definitely hurt’’ Victoria if the race was lost to another city.
As the Grand Prix festival roared to life on Thursday at Albert Park, Premier Denis Napthine and F1 heavyweights were yet to sign a new contract to keep the race in Melbourne.
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE FOR RICCIARDO
Red Bull star Daniel Ricciardo said he was desperate to win a GP on home soil and hoped a new deal would keep the race here after next year.
“I will do what I can to help keep it on the calendar for as long as I’m racing,’’ he said.
“I haven’t thought about the negatives if it was to go. I’m positive it will stay and I think if I’m being successful it will keep it in our favour.’’
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciado at Albert Park. Picture: David Caird Source: News Corp Australia
Christian Horner, boss of F1 title-winning team Red Bull, said the race was “great for highlighting your country and city globally’’.
“I think it would be a big hit for Australian sport if the Grand Prix wasn’t on because it’s a showcase worldwide event,’’ he said.
“Yes, you’ve got the tennis, you’ve got the cricket, but I think the motorsport brings another dimension and it puts the world focus on Australia for that weekend, which is very positive.”
The Grand Prix Corporation estimated a crowd of 63,800 flocked to Albert Park on Thursday, making the most of brilliant weather to attend the GP community day.
The crowd - 5600 down on the estimated 69,400 last year - paid a gold coin entry donation, with proceeds to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Protest group Save Albert Park again claimed the true attendance was inflated, as no turnstiles are used on entry.
V8 Supercars, Porsche Carrera Cup qualifying and RAAF Roulette flyovers were among the popular attractions.
And world skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and a crew of international skaters also put on the first of their twice-daily shows with high-flying stunts on a specially constructed half-pipe.
Major Events Minister Louise Asher said that the Grand Prix delivered “significant economic, social and cultural benefits”.
peter.rolfe@news.com.au
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