Melbourne officials have scoffed at reports Sydney is lining up as an alternative host of the Australian grand prix.
Reports coinciding with Albert Park’s twentieth consecutive running of the formula one race this weekend suggested rival state New South Wales’ premier aims to take over from Melbourne once the new contract expires in 2020.
The reports said Sydney’s proposed circuit would include the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
"It must be election time in New South Wales," Victorian premier John Eren scoffed, according to local broadcaster ABC.
Indeed, at Albert Park on Friday, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker - a famously close ally of Bernie Ecclestone - revealed that Melbourne’s new 2020 contract even includes an option for five further years.
According to the local Herald Sun newspaper, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews confirmed: "There’s every chance we could go five years beyond" 2020.