Melbourne F1 GP to move to Flemington?

We are not 100 percent convinced about the validity of this report but according to The Age this-morning the organizers of the Australian grand prix are secretly contemplating moving its location from Albert Park to “a famous horse racing venue” when the contract for the race expires in 2010.

According to Channel Nine, unnamed sources had confirmed that Sandown racetrack had been ruled out due to its size (too small) but that Flemington, home of the Melbourne Cup horse race, was being considered as an option to replace Albert Park as the GP venue.

Oddly, Victoria Racing Club claim there has been no discussion and there is no truth to the claim at all. The main reason for a move being considered is cost. It is believed that changing the venue from Albert Park to Flemington could save $20 million plus per year (how I have no idea).

Channel Nine reported that moving the race to Flemington was discussed between Mr Walker and Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone in London last week.

The Australian GP has proven to be a money pit for the Victorian state government who have injected tax payer funds to prop it up each year. The final bill for the last financial year was $34.6 million…

We can’t imagine that ground as sacred as Flemington would be butchered for the likes of F1 but stranger things have happened.