Bernie tells Oz: Stop complaining

Thursday 24th January 2013

Bernie tells Oz: Stop complaining

Bernie tells Oz: Stop complaining

Bernie Ecclestone has hit out at the Victorian government, saying they shouldn't sign a deal and then complain about it.

Earlier this week, media reports in Australia claimed that the state paid $30 million a year to stage the Australian Grand Prix.

"We think the taxpayer subsidy is too high and there are two issues here, one is the fee given to Mr Ecclestone and the other one is the total taxpayer subsidy for the event and the fee is of course part of that," said Tourism Minister Louise Asher.

Ecclestone, though, refused to confirm whether the $30million was correct saying "maybe it's not a true figure".

In an interview with radio station 3AW he added: "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."

Melbourne's Albert Park circuit has a contract to host the Australian GP until 2015 at which time Ecclestone will renegotiate.

"We'll have a look in 2015," he added.

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