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Aus GP confirms contract extension, 2024 deal with Saudi Arabia

  • Darshan Chokhani
    • Aus GP, F1, Saudi Arabia GP

    JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - MARCH 27: A general view over the grid preparations showing Pole position qualifier Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing preparing to start the race during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 27, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202203270727 // Usage for editorial use only //

    The promoters of Australian GP have confirmed a contract extension of two more F1 seasons, with a 2024 deal with Saudi Arabia too.

    Australian GP already had a fresh deal inked to be on the F1 calendar until 2035 when it announced about hosting F2 and F3 races as well back in June. After a dry spell due to COVID-19, the grand prix returned with a bang albeit not as an opener.

    With Bahrain becoming a go-to choice for pre-season testing, it pushed out Australia from being a season-opener which they are likely to get back in time to come. In fact, the new deal which sees a contract extension by two years to until 2037 has a clause too.

    It states that the Australian GP will be the season-opener for four years between 2023 and 2037. It is certainly not the opener next year and the Victorian Government has confirmed that it won’t be the opener in 2024 either after a deal with Saudi Arabia.

    Due to the Ramadan dates, the Australian GP promoters agreed with its Saudi Arabian counterparts and allow the Jeddah circuit to be the 2024 F1 season-opener – the date though will be formally revealed at a later stage of 2023.

    “To have secured what is now 15 years of further tenure for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is an outstanding outcome,” said Andrew Westacott, who is to leave as the AGPC boss post the 2023 event. “It provides so many benefits to our city, our economy and our exceptional events industry, not to mention the aspiration it provides to young Australians pursuing their dreams in motorsport.”

    At the same time, Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, added: “We’re backing a summer like no other with a spectacular offering of major events and activities that encourage Victorians to revel in the best the state has to offer, while delivering more visitors to businesses across Victoria. Securing the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix event in Melbourne for the next 12 years is an incredible result that will boost businesses and local jobs, while showcasing the state to millions of spectators right across the globe.”

    Here’s news regarding Andrew Westacott and Michael Masi

    Here’s FIA on some International Sporting Code changes

    Here’s news on Silverstone fencing

    Here’s new deal with Zandvoort

    Here’s changes at Jeddah

    Here’s the earlier announcement of race until 2035