2011 Australian Grand Prix Out of Danger

The 2011 Australian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned. Following the recent drama regarding a potential loss of the Aussie race for the season to come – not because Bernie Ecclestone woke up one day and decided to increase the fees or anything, but because of an internal dispute between the racing body vs promoters of the race Down Under – Australia's motorsport governing body CAMS set the records straight this past weekend.

According to a statement from CAMS, all differences between the governing body and the Australian Grand Prix promoter have been worked out. The two parties initially disagreed over the fees involved in setting up the race at Albert Park.

“CAMS is delighted to have reached this agreement and looks forward to continuing its role in one of the world's best Formula 1 events and helping to make it an even greater success,” said CAMS president Andrew Papadopoulos in a recent media statement.

“Our officials are renowned internationally and trained to the highest standards. They will make an irreplaceable contribution to the running of the Australian GP,” added the CAMS boss.

Following the expiry of the contract between CAMS and the Australian Grand Prix Corp (prompters of the event) in the spring of 2010, the former organization forwarded some 3 proposals in a row for the promotion of the event from 2011 onwards, all rejected by the AGPC on the grounds of increased organizational fees.

Now that a new deal has been reached - although we don't know exactly the period of time it was signed for - the Aussie GP can go on undisturbed next year. Like last season, the round at Melbourne will account for the second stop of the 2011 F1 championship, following the season opener in Bahrain, and will take place on March 27.