Formula One news

'No Ferrari, no Australian Grand Prix'

Race organisers of the Australian Grand Prix have warned Formula One to pull together and find a solution to the current argument which rages between teams and the governing body of the sport. The man behind the season-opening race 'down under' has stated that, due to large potential financial losses, F1 must stick together.

With the ongoing row threatening a breakaway series once again this week, the race promoter of the Australian Grand Prix has explained that - with the possibility of a number of top teams not being present next season - less spectacle and subsequent smaller crowds would result in a financial downtown and ousting of the event.

Ron Walker, Australian Grand Prix chairman

"If the disunity continues, Melbourne will seriously consider its position on continuing with Formula One," Ron Walker told his The Age newspaper. "Without Ferrari racing in Melbourne it will lose much of its glamour and therefore the government investment will come into question."

With the Grand Prix having had its smallest crowd this year since the race's inauguration at Albert Park in 1996, a question mark had already hovered over Melbourne although Walker has also called for the offloading of FIA president Max Mosley. "In my view, Mr Mosley should walk away from the sport with dignity rather than slowly strangle to death the great brand of Formula One," he continued.

"The sport needs fresh and dynamic leadership more than ever before to lead F1 into a new era of motor racing; Bernie Ecclestone (owner of Formula One Management, commercial rights holder of the sport) is absolutely trying to be a peacemaker but if the most successful automotive companies in the world will not agree to the rules laid down by the FIA then that will be the end of it."

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