Melbourne to host Australian Grand Prix until 2025

The Australian Grand Prix will remain at its iconic Melbourne setting of Albert Park until at least 2025, the FIA confirmed on Thursday.

Melbourne has been the traditional curtain raiser for the Formula One season since 1996, when Damon Hill led home Jacques Villeneuve for a Williams 1-2 finish following Martin Brundle’s spectacular opening lap crash. Since then, Albert Park has witnessed some memorable moments, such as Mark Webber’s stunning debut drive for Minardi in 2000 and Brundle’s accident replicated by Ralf Schumacher in 2002 and Fernando Alonso’s McLaren in 2016.

Key to the race remaining on the calendar is the popularity of the venue with fans, more than 900,000 spectators flocking through the turnstiles over the last three years alone – a measure of its success.

“We are pleased to have renewed our partnership with the city of Melbourne, which will now host the Formula One Australian Grand Prix until at least 2025,” commented Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO, Formula 1. “The decision to extend the current relationship for a further two years stems from the fact this event has proved to be a resounding success for the capital of Victoria, for Australia and indeed around the world, proving immensely popular with fans and those who work in Formula 1.

“Working along with our partner, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, we plan to make the Australian Grand Prix even more exciting and spectacular, as a sporting event and as a form of entertainment. Today’s announcement follows on from last week’s, relating to the British Grand Prix and is proof that more and more promoters are sharing our long-term vision for the future of Formula 1. We cannot wait to be back in Melbourne, from 12 to 15 March next year to celebrate the 25thanniversary of this race being held there and continuing a relationship which will also allow us to celebrate at least 30 years in the city in 2025.”

The Australian Grand Prix will kick off the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship from 12 to 15 March.

Robert Kubica racing for Williams at Albert Park in 2019

Fraser Masefield

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