Plot for Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in Melbourne

A plot to host two Grand Prix races in Melbourne has been mooted by authorities — and Daniel Ricciardo likes the idea.

A bid to host a Grand Prix double-header in Melbourne — backed by F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo — has been considered by Victorian authorities but the brake is likely to be pulled on the move.

The idea to move the race from Sao Paulo to Melbourne comes as Brazil battles another COVID wave and the nation’s death toll surges above 400,000.

Brazil is due to host the Grand Prix from November 7, two weeks before the rescheduled race in Melbourne.

The Grand Prix Sao Paulo. Picture: Mark Thompson/Getty Images.

Ricciardo has previously backed the idea of creating a double-header in Australia.

“If there is any, let’s say, form of quarantine when we get there, to do a double-header at least would make the time worthwhile,” he told EFTM.com last month.

“Hopefully we get a bit of time in Aus as opposed to quarantine (and then the) circuit. I know all the drivers love going to Melbourne for the race.

“In Australia, everyone knows how beautiful it is, so if I called all the drivers right now and said, ‘Hey, what do you feel about spending two weeks in Australia?’ I’m pretty sure none of them are going to whinge and moan.”

But a senior state government source has all but ruled out the possibility of Melbourne hosting the Brazilian GP.

“It is not seen as a realistic scenario,” they told the Herald Sun.

It is understood the idea was very informally canvassed as an extraordinary possibility.

But no formal discussions were had or submissions lodged.

The senior source said the move would be “highly improbable”.

An Australian Grand Prix Corporation spokesperson said they had rerceived no new information from Forumla 1 about the scheduling of races.

“Our preparations are continuing, in concert with the Victorian Government, so we can deliver a sensational and safe event in November,” he said.

A government spokesperson said planning was underway for the Australian Grand Prix.

“The health and safety of Victorians remains the key factor in all decisions relating to the staging of major events like the Grand Prix,” he said.