FIA president Jean Todt has given his support to the Australian Grand Prix, putting him at odds with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The future of F1 racing in Australia remains in doubt, with Melbourne politicians effectively telling Ecclestone to 'stick the sport where the sun don't shine' in the light of increasing costs - borne by taxpayers - and ever increasing pressure to turn the event into a night race.

Whether Melbourne tears up its current deal or simply opts not to renew when it runs out in 2015, the future of F1 in Australia looks unclear as Bernie warns that if Australia doesn't want a race there are plenty of other countries that do.

Visiting the city for a road safety campaign however, Todt has given his full support, claiming that F1 has to be in Australia.

"Formula One is a sport and it is important, and if Formula One does exist I think it is important to have one race in Australia because Australia is among the biggest nations in the world," he said. "Australia has been doing a great job together with people from CAMS. They have put Australia among the best grands prix in the season.

"Melbourne is a sensational venue with nice people, and when I arrived yesterday, I was thinking how good Melbourne is for Formula One."