F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "has taken a swipe at the Victorian government, telling it not to complain about the price of staging the race after signing a deal," according to Adrian Lowe of THE AGE. Ecclestone, speaking amid an ongoing row about whether Victorians receive value for money for the race, "refused to discuss how much the state pays to keep the event in Melbourne." The octogenarian Ecclestone said of the race's future in Melbourne: "It's up to them isn't it? It's up to the people who are responsible. I can't make them sign a contract, they do it of their own free will." However, he also said: "They shouldn't complain after they sign" (THE AGE, 1/24). 3AW - FAIRFAX RADIO NETWORK's Michael James wrote Ecclestone spoke exclusively with radio station 3AW about the issue. It was speculated that the leak of confidential figures "could jeopardise Melbourne's chances of retaining the event." However, Ecclestone said "it doesn't make any difference." He added, "The first thing, the figure that has been published that may not be the correct figure. I don't really mind. People can report what they like" (3AW - FAIRFAX RADIO NETWORK, 1/24).
Listen to Ecclestone's interview with 3AW.
