Asian Motor Sports

A major revamp of the Eastern Creek track in Australia could be enough to tempt the country’s Formula One race there when its current contract with Melbourne expires.

That is the view of one of the key figures behind the Sydney circuit, who believes that if plans for an overhaul of the track are given the go-ahead then they could be enough to help the country host an F1 night race.

Allan Moffat, a board member of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, which has commissioned a report into redeveloping the track, believes the upgrade could put the track in contention for a grand prix when Melbourne’s deal runs out in 2015.

“Bernie Ecclestone will get sick of Melbourne’s refusal to host a night race,” Moffat told the Australian Daily Telegraph.

“We would be in a position to take advantage. It would cost three times as much to develop a suitable facility on virgin land. We have the basis for it right here in the middle of Blacktown, Australia’s fastest growing area.”

The report on the track has put forward new plans, which include a new configuration, reversing its direction - with work possibly completed within two years.

Clive Bowen, from the Apex company that prepared the new plans, said: “The circuit would be one of the most exciting and demanding in this country, and the equal of many internationally.

“It has been designed to challenge the most accomplished driver, yet also appeal to corporate users.”

Eastern Creek’s optimism is part of a $93 million upgrade that they claim would make it Australia’s best racetrack.

Plans call for the track to be brought up to F1 standard — with the proposal getting initial FIA approval — as well as MotoGP specification.

More than 800m of track would be added, and the racing direction reversed.

It would be 4.7km long, second only to Bathurst’s Mt Panorama, and would also mean three separate shorter layouts of the track could be used at the same time.

John Cotter, president of circuit manager the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, is calling on owner the New South Wales Government to fund the makeover.