The public transport strike in Melbourne during last weekend's Grand Prix has cost the government 10 million Australian dollars (US$ 7.8) organizers say. The government had counted on a A$2.9 million profit. The authorities had to use private busses, 600 in total, to get everyone to the track.
The total amount of visitors was about 107.000 compared to 154.000 in 1996.
A union leader, Leigh Hubbard, who are aiming for a wage increase and improved working conditions said: "It is a war and the unions will use whatever tactics they think are appropriate."
It was announced yesterday that Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has contacted the investment bank Salomon Brothers to prepare the company for the stock market in London and New York by August.
This could value Formula One to US$ 3.8 billion. One reason for the New York stock market is to get the American people more interested in Formula One.
This deal will make Ecclestone a very rich man. He already earns about US$ 45 million per year but this could make him a billionaire.
Track officials will not take any actions against Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine after his passing move just after the start of last weekends Australian Grand Prix, which put himself, Jacques Villeneuve and Johnny Herbert out of the race. Villeneuve called Irvine's actions 'stupid' while Herbert called him an 'idiot'.
Irvine persisted: "It was a simple racing accident, one of those things happen."
Damon Hill has said that he will battle on even though things are not looking to bright with his new team - Arrows-Yamaha.
"I knew the moment I did not have the opportunity of going to a top team my life would be difficult. There will be a new champion this season - I know that. But I'm not one to walk away from a difficult situation," Hill said.
Michael Schumacher has stated that he believes David Coulthard, even though the Scot won in Melbourne, is a serious competitor for the World Championship title. The German still believes that the battle will be between him and the Williams team in particular Villeneuve. One of the reasons for this is that the Ferrari of Schumacher was faster than the McLaren of Coulthard he just could not pass the Scot.
The newcomers to Formula One Prost and Stewart were very happy with their results.
Prost said: "This is the best thing that could have happened. It is going to boost everyone's confidence, especially Bridgestone's who came away with their first Formula One points and Mugen-Honda who have worked very hard over the winter. Everyone has been rewarded by seeing both cars reach the finish. Only one other team can claim so much. As for me, it was a nerve-wracking experience following it all as team boss from the pit wall. I never found grands prix anything like so tense as this when I was a driver. But my satisfaction is much more intense. In this race we passed an important psychological barrier but the hard work has really only just begun."
Stewart commented: "I feel a mixture of joy, relief and disappointment. I feel emotional. It is quite different from racing and I have never felt like this in a car. I was thrilled with the team and thrilled when I saw the cars so close to the finish, especially Rubens. But the disappointment of him not finishing is much worse than anything I remember as a driver."
Bernie Ecclestone has announced that there may be more Asian Grands Prix. Southern Korea and Malaysia come to mind. This will cost two European Grands Prix. It now looks like this will be the Grand Prix of France and the Nurburgring.