Ferrari fans take over Lygon St as GP hailed a success for Melbourne’s recovery
Daniel Ricciardo may not have walked away with a win, but the return of the Melbourne Grand Prix proved to be a winner for businesses — particularly for those in Lygon St.
Victoria
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Melbourne has roared back into life with business leaders hoping the city’s recovery will accelerate in the slipstream of the city’s stunning Grand Prix.
After a three-year drought racing fans flooding back to the Albert Park track as well as Melbourne’s streets, restaurants, bar and hotels
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Paul Guerra said it had been a “sensational weekend” for Melbourne’s night life and economy.
“The Grand Prix has turbocharged Victoria’s visitor economy with people from around Australia and the world flocking to Melbourne and filling up our hotels, restaurants and bars,” he said.
“The eyes of the world have been on us this weekend and the strong message is Victoria is open for business.”
Melburnians had not seen F1 cars race at Albert Park since 2019 after they were turned away on what was to be the opening day of the 2020 event due to the pandemic.
But almost 420,000 fans packed the circuit over the return 2022 event, and Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief Felicia Mariani said it was fantastic to see the city “absolutely buzzing with energy”.
“There were more than 80,000 movements on Friday alone,” Ms Mariani said.
Melbourne Airport saw a 107 per cent increase in domestic travel when compared to April 2019.
Data from Melbourne City Council showed pedestrian activity on Swanston St exceeded pre-pandemic levels on the weekend, at 111 per cent.
“The combination of the F1 and the Comedy Festival is bringing people into the city en masse, and providing a huge boost to our traders,” said Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said retailers have enjoyed the flow-on benefits of increased tourists in town for the weekend.
“The best way for Melbourne to get its mojo back is through major events like the Grand Prix,” he said.
“This is the perfect tonic for Melbourne’s economic recovery after a difficult couple of years.”
Crown executive general manager of food and beverage, Enda Cunningham, said he hasn’t seen this level of demand since pre-Covid.
“From a hotels perspective, this is the most in-demand Grand Prix we’ve experienced for the last five held,” he said.
“Occupancy at our hotels over weekends at the moment is 100 per cent, and our premium dining restaurants are at capacity during key peak times.”
But Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said isolation and mask mandates are still making it difficult for businesses to stay open.
“The climate of fear around Covid still exists throughout the community, deterring people from spending time in public places,” he said.
FANS PAINT THE TOWN RED AFTER FERRARI VICTORY
Ferrari fans have painted the town red following their F1 triumph with hundreds of rev heads descending on Lygon St to celebrate their victory.
A fleet of Ferraris packed the popular Italian precinct to bask in their win.
Drivers could be heard revving their engines and honking their horns as they paraded down the packed Carlton street.
There was not an empty chair to be seen along the iconic street as patrons packed the numerous Italian restaurants and partied on into the night.
Super fan Paul Follacchio, whose family owns five Ferraris including the carmakers F88 Spider and F88 Pista, said the victory will boost the morale of Melbourne’s Italian community.
“Melbourne has been in the dump for two years, this is going to lift everyone’s spirits,” he said.
“This is exactly what the city needed, the atmosphere tonight is absolutely magnificent.”
Joseph Gerace, who runs the Forza Italia megastore on Lygon Street, said the precinct has been busy all week in the lead up to the race.
Mr Gerace stayed open till midnight each day of the week to meet the increased demand.
“Staying open to midnight has added a European flair, it has been an absolutely massive week in terms of retail food traffic,” he said.
“I think the younger generation has taken a real interest in the sport and it feels really family orientated, everybody wants to be involved in some form.”
The retailer believes Victorians are becoming more appreciative of the Grand Prix and what it brings to the city.
“Melburnians are starting to see the true value of an international event, it really puts the city on the map.”
Kory Wirawan plans to party all night long to celebrate Ferrari’s victory.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic, I’ve got work in the morning but nothing is going to stop me,” the 21 year old, who was dressed head to toe in F1 merchandise said.
“We are going to a formula one after-party!”
The Ferrari fan says he believes there is a bright future ahead for the sport in Australia.
“People used to tune out of the conversation when you talked about F1,” he said.
“But a lot of young people are watching it now because of the Netflix series (drive to survive).”
He added, “I’m so happy to see the sport thrive.”
Fans posed for photos alongside the parked Ferraris and cheered when motorists revved their engines as they drove through “Little Italy”. The queues for some restaurants stretched down the street due to the overwhelming demand.
Australia’s largest Ferrari club, which boasts over 1,600 members, predicted the victory will help boost F1’s popularity down under.
“It brings passion and happiness to everyone – both old and young,” Ferrari Club Australia’s National President Frank Cavasinni said.
“Melbourne has been placed on the worldwide map.”
Victoria Police said the fans were in good spirits and no arrests were made.
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