Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo "called on the State Government to lock in the contract for the Melbourne Grand Prix until 2025, to guarantee the long-term future of the race at Albert Park," according to Rolfe & White of the HERALD SUN. Sports Minister John Eren "warned Victorian sporting fixtures were under threat from rival states hungry for a piece of the event tourism pie." A new five-year deal for the Melbourne Grand Prix "begins next year." But a clause in the contract "gives Victoria an optional five-year extension." Ricciardo "urged the State Government to exercise it." Ricciardo said, "The sport is in a good place at the moment. I can see the growth in Australia, so it’s on track." Eren, announcing a review of the state’s sporting and cultural events, "conceded Victoria was under pressure to keep its major events," and said, "There are a number of (competitors) out there that would like to see some of our events go to their states." In February, NSW Premier Mike Baird detailed a A$123M boost to his state’s events budget. Victorian government statistics show that NSW "has added 110 sporting, cultural and lifestyle events to its calendar since 2011" (HERALD SUN, 3/10).
