Mat Coch writes:

Formula One will not race at Eastern Creek unless the NSW Government is willing to pick up the tab. That is the claim of Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) General Manager Geoff Arnold, his comments coming just days after it was announced that a major redevelopment is planned at Sydney's premier motorsport complex.

Mr. Arnold went on to say that the development was geared towards bringing the Eastern Creek circuit up to FIA L2 specifications with L1 standard run off areas. This rules Formula One out of the equation, barring further investment, the project aimed at catering for the ever increasing needs of the local motorsport community.

"The track redevelopment is a necessity if NSW is to remain relevant in the motor sport world at all. With Oran Park closing at the end of 2010, if we do not do something to allow multi-use of this facility, we would have only one race circuit in Sydney" said Mr Arnold. The ARDC General Manager went on to describe the circuit's current diary is filled beyond capacity and that "by redeveloping the venue allowing for two circuits and a drift circuit, combined with a vehicle manoeuvring area gives us an opportunity to host car and bike events at the same time as car launches, concerts."

When questioned over the long term viability of the project Arnold reinforced the importance of driver education, stating that "over 70% of our bookings and revenue now come from driver and rider education which has had a significant impact on road trauma and associated costs."

Given the importance of the circuit the ARDC is concentrating on the national scene, though leaving the door open for international events further down the line. However, Mr Arnold made it clear that it was not the intention of the project to bring Eastern Creek up to a standard suitable for Formula One. "A side effect of this would be to offer an alternative for F1 should they wish to move from Melbourne and the Government wish to fund the event but it is not the reason we wish to redevelop the circuit."