Melb Grand Prix wins international praise from Formula One boss

MELBOURNE has cemented its place on the international sporting stage after Formula One’s top boss hailed last weekend’s Grand Prix a ‘world class event.’

Sebastian Vettel celebrates his win during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. Picture: Getty Images

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THE new global commercial boss of Formula One has hailed the Melbourne Grand Prix as “extraordinarily impressive’’ after witnessing the major event for the first time.

F1 commercial operations managing director Sean Bratches said Melbourne was part of the sport’s “long term’’ plans after watching an estimated 296,600 fans flock to the Albert Park track at the weekend.

“It’s a combination of a world class sporting event and a world class entertainment event and it’s a collision of two great ones in a great place,’’ he said.

Mr Bratches told the Herald Sun F1 management could help build more entertainment off-track next year, with bigger bands a possibility in Melbourne.

Mario and Bliss n Esso were the highest profile bands at Albert Park at the weekend while last year’s Singapore Grand Prix featured Kylie Minogue, KC and the Sunshine Band and Queen plus Adam Lambert.

“I’m intrigued by the conceit of engaging bigger bands and bigger acts that compliment what is on the ground,’’ he said.

“Nothing to announce at this point in time but I think it’s part and parcel of the event, the festival that exists and the opportunity to actually expand that.’’

Mr Bratches said F1 management wanted to help Australian Grand Prix organisers better engage fans and attract new audiences.

“Our interest is in Melbourne long term ... we’ve got a long term deal and we feel very good about that,’’ he said.

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