Times Up For Grand Prix, As Ecclestone Faces Corruption Charges

Times up for Grand Prix, as Ecclestone faces corruption charges

Friday, 28 September 2012 04:37

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• Terry McCrann Economics Editor of the Herald Sun argues the Grand Prix’s time is up – "time to have a weekend without Bernie"
• Please see 'Bernie Demands the Loot'
• Please see my media release on the millions of dollars in undisclosed commissions payed to Mr Ecclestone

Times up for Bernie Ecclestone and the Melbourne Grand Prix, State and Federal MPs Martin Foley and Michael Danby said today.

“The Grand Prix continues to be a drain on Victorian tax payers and we still don’t know what Bernie Ecclestone’s fee for the race is”, Mr Danby said. Mr Danby’s comments follow revelations in the Herald-Sun that the GP cost the Victorian Government $57 million.  Click to read the Herald Sun article

Mr Danby agreed with a recent newspaper editorial calling on Mr Ecclestone’s fee to be disclosed by the State Government.

Mr Danby said the alarming reports in European newspapers (click here to read more) that Mr Ecclestone is about to be indicted on corruption charges only added to the concern. Danby said Eccelstone's alleged bribery of a German banker made him an unsuitable figure to be associated with Melbourne major events.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is escorted by two court officers as he arrives as witness for Gerhard Gribkowsky trial last year, click here

"The Grand Prix's removal will be welcomed by my constituents. Recently, more than 6000 constituents have petitioned me to stop the Grand Prix", Mr Danby said.
State MP for Albert Park, Martin Foley, said the race and the community both needed to move on.

"Our local community has had enough.  This expensive intrusion into the local community is worn out. If the race wants to stay it must move to a purpose built motor sport facility. The fans, the promoters and the circuit can deliver their apparently world class event from such a facility - as apparently the New South Wales Government are proposing’, Mr Foley said.

Bernie Ecclestone, left, will soon face corruption charges after banker Gerhard Gribkowsky, right, made a 'decisive' statement in jail, it has been alleged, click here

Both MPs agree the race is tired, expensive and ragged. Attempts to spice it up only add to the cost and disruption to the community.  Foolish kite flying like the red bull aero race only confirm the oddity of it all as the State Government seeks to distract attention form the GP 's failings and dwindling attendances.

“Our major attraction and events calendar is not as dependant as it once was on this circus." Mr Foley said.