EMBARGOED UNTIL 2 P. M.
JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY THE PRIME MINISTER AND
THE PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
21 JULY 1985
The Commonwealth Government has made a special grant of
million to the South Australian Government to assist in
staging the first Australian Formula One Grand Prix in
Adelaide in November.
The Commonwealth contribution will underpin an extensive
capital works project which the South Australian Government
has undertaken to ensure the Grand Prix is a success. It
will be the first of seven annual World Championship Formula
one events which the South Australian Government has.:
contracted to stage between 1985 and 1991.
Mr Hawke said the series would bring unprecedented
international exposure for Australia and would provide
significant economic benefits, particularly for South
Australia. The Grand Prix will stimulate the promotion and
development of tourism in Australia and will provide
specific benefits to the community in the form of employment
and business opportunities.
Mr Hawke said the staging of the Grand Prix in Adelaide
would enable Australia to build on an already proud and
successful record in hosting major international sporting
events. It was a tribute to the efforts of the Bannon Government
that Australia had, for the first time, won the privilege of
being included in this unique and prestigious world
championship series.
Mr Bannon-said the Grand Prix would attract an estimated
100,000 people to Adelaide and South Australia, many of them
from overseas. Television coverage of Formula One racing
attracted audiences of up to 700 million people in some
countries.
He said the Federal Government had recognised the
contribution which South Australia was making to the
national tourism effort by staging the Grand Prix.
The Australian Formula One Grand Prix is to be raced through
the streets of Adelaide from October 31 November 3. The
Adelaide circuit is 3.78 kilometres with a main straight of
one kilometre where cars are expected to reach around
330 km/ h.
The circuit has been examined and evaluated by three of the
four world champion racing drivers who will compete in the
event, Alan Jones, Niki Lauda and Keke Rosberg. All have
described it as the best street circuit in the world.
The Grand Prix itself is the focal point of a week of
celebrations and activities in and around Adelaide which
will include a large amusement park, attempts on feats
recorded in the Guiness Book of Records, a videodome show, a
laser display, an aerial spectacular including the RAAF
Roulettes, a Grand Prix footrace, a massive outdoor concert
and a classic sports car parade.