Melbourne hopes new deal will bring Ricciardo home win

Australian Grand Prix organisers are optimistic that Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo will score a home win in Melbourne by the end of the decade, after the city signed a new contract to host the race through to 2020.

Melbourne will celebrate its 20th running of the Australian Grand Prix next season, and having renewed its deal for a further five years over the weekend, wants to witness two-time F1 winner Ricciardo add an Albert Park victory to his tally.

“Within this contract we hope to see Australia’s own Daniel Ricciardo win the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and become world champion,” said Victoria Premier Denis Napthine on announcing the extension.

As one of several global sporting events staged in Victoria, the Australian Grand Prix - in which Ricciardo finished second this year before his car was disqualified - brings up to $39 million of economic benefits to the state and generates in the region of 400 full-time equivalent jobs.

“In addition, the worldwide broadcast delivers invaluable promotion and coverage to Melbourne and Victoria,” added Victoria’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher. “These cornerstone events enhance our international reputation as the world’s most liveable city.”

Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One group CEO, said the signing of the new contract was well deserved, commenting: “I congratulate Melbourne for the excellent way in which it presents Formula One to the world.”