Ecclestone is considering a reduction in circuit fees

Bernie Ecclestone is considering reducing the fees required for circuits to host additional races in Formula 1.

The Formula 1 finance chief indicated that the idea could be a solution in the current economic circumstances as well as for the two races removed from the calendar since last year (French and Canadian Grand Prix).

Australian journalists contacted the Formula 1 rights holder regarding the fact that the Victorian government announced a tax of 47 million Australian dollars (more than 23 million euros).

« We must keep an eye on it, » said Bernie Ecclestone by phone.

« It’s a bit early at the moment, given that we haven’t even started the season yet, so we have to wait and see what will happen », he continued.

These comments follow an uproar among the Australian public in the state of Victoria, which highlighted last week that it is the taxpayer who funds part of the fees for hosting a Grand Prix, thus generating losses year after year.

« I suppose that the people who need to justify this are the ones managing the event, » adds Ecclestone.

Melbourne hosted its first race in 1996 and continues to enjoy being the first Grand Prix of the season, except in 2006.

« It must be agreed whether or not people think Melbourne and Australia are worth it, » concluded Ecclestone.

« We cannot justify it and just say that it is very, very cheap. »