There is little doubt the 2013 Australian Grand Prix was in part a shambles.
But there is virtually no doubt that the contract for the race will be extended after the current deal expires in 2015.
While the Melbourne event almost inevitably produces one of the most gripping and popular races on the F1 calendar, this year’s mess could fuel the argument that its days are numbered.
Qualifying was a disaster, washed out after the first session and postponed until race day in a controversial decision by race director Charlie Whiting.
It left crowds fuming while a television blackout meant overseas viewers were robbed of action as the second and third qualifying runs were continually delayed and finally abandoned.
The reason for the decision was put down to driver safety and backed by several teams – but it was clearly not a majority view.
In the 1980s the question would never have arisen as the greatest drivers braved the worst the weather could produce but contemporary Formula One is a sensitive and concessional product.
Next year, new regulations will bring in V6 engines which will muffle the sport’s trademark screaming engines, but that will do little to mollify the race’s vocal opponents.
They will continue their pointless protests, camped in shabby tents outside the track at Albert Park and voicing their views on that platform of ill-informed opinion and bigotry – talkback radio.
But every indication is that the show will go on.
Former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu stopped just short of confirming the contract would be renewed before he resigned, while his successor, Dr Denis Napthine, immediately voiced his enthusiasm for the event.
The fact is that it is irrelevant whether one is in favour or against motorsport.
The reality is that Formula One is one of the world’s most popular international sporting championship and what it is about is proving Melbourne is a ‘can do’ city which has the sophistication to consistently produce stellar events.
It’s the same philosophy which Abu Dhabi employs to sell itself as the financial hub of the Middle East.
Unlike the billion-plus dollars lost on farcical projects such as the Victorian public transport Myki system and a desalination plant which may or may not ever be used, F1 actually brings benefits every year.
F1 regularly draws many more television viewers than the tennis and golf tours and figures show that an F1 race is watched by more people globally than either Wimbledon, the British Open or the US Masters.
Soccer’s World Cup and the Olympics are incomparable as they are held only every four years.
Official Grand Prix attendance figures will boost the Government’s case for renewing the contract, with 323,000 people over the four days of the event – the highest figure since 2005 – and 103,000 at the track for the race.
