Carrie’s Sports World

   Former world champion Alan Jones believes the Australian Grand Prix will disappear from the Formula One calendar after 2010. Jones says the race is unlikely to continue at Melbourne’s Albert Park and has no chance of a future in Sydney.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation officials are trying to persuade F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to extend the contract for the Australian event beyond 2010. Ecclestone has issued a variety of veiled threats about the race’s viability, including suggesting recently it might move to Sydney. A major feasibility study into upgrading the Eastern Creek facility near Sydney to Formula One standards was recently announced.

    However, according to Jones, the 1980 F1 champion, the Australian GP’s days are numbered. The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) has commissioned one of the world’s leading motor racing circuit engineering companies to determine what would be needed for Eastern Creek to meet F1 regulations. The study will explore the possibility of building a major complex which could host MotoGP and V8 supercar races as well as Formula One.

    Ecclestone claims Russia and India are two countries standing ready to snap up the Australian round if the contract is terminated, although grand prix officials doubt they will be prepared. Ecclestone has also demanded a night race be staged if the round is to remain at Albert Park to attract more television viewers in the northern hemisphere but the Victorian government has ruled that out.

    Meanwhile, Jones has apparently mellowed in his view on women in open-wheel racing following reports American IndyCar race winner Danica Patrick could test for the Honda F1 team. Jones, the boss of Team Australia in the international A1 Grand Prix series, says modern technology means it is now easier to drive a Formula One car.