Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou has urged the NSW Government to position Sydney as a potential host for a Formula One race should Middle Eastern events be cancelled due to escalating regional conflict.
With tensions threatening upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Nicolaou said Sydney should move quickly to present itself as an alternative venue on the global racing calendar.
“If Formula One needs another race due to global instability, Sydney should be first in line,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
Nicolaou argued that the city’s iconic harbour setting could deliver a spectacular event capable of attracting global attention and boosting tourism.
“There’s no better backdrop in the world than cars screaming under the Harbour Bridge and around our harbour foreshore,” he said.
“If there’s ever been a moment for NSW to make a serious play for F1, this is it. The world is watching and Sydney would put on a show like no other city.”
He added that hosting a race could deliver a significant economic boost for the state.
“There’s no reason Australia can’t host two races and Sydney would deliver a massive tourism and economic boost for NSW,” he said.
However, the NSW Government has indicated it has not been approached by Formula One organisers about hosting a race, while other international circuits – including those in Italy, Portugal and Turkey -are considered more likely replacements if Middle Eastern events are cancelled.
Source: The Daily Telegraph.
