F1 threat to Australia

Australian Grand Prix organisers are convinced Formula One will return Down Under despite threats from the world governing body.

A row between the FIA and Minardi boss Paul Stoddart saw president Max Mosley threaten to strip Australia of its world championship motorsport events.

The Englishman was angry that a Melbourne court granted Stoddart an injunction to allow Minardi to qualify at Albert Park and vowed to review Australia’s status on the Formula One and world rally calendars.

But race organiser Ron Walker believes the matter will be sorted out and has even earmarked a date for next season’s race, which has to move from its traditional March date due to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

He said: “We are hoping for an April 30 date but that hasn’t been confirmed.