Eastern Creek feasibility study results revealed

[Red_Bull]

Ok, the feasibility study regarding the Eastern Creek upgrade has been completed, and the proposed plans look very exciting to be honest. The $350 000 study conducted by Apex Circuit Design (the same guys planning the redevelopment of Silverstone, Singapore and Dubai) presents a venue that can host world class motorsport events such as the Formula One and MotoGP as well as other non-motorsport entertainment options, and that ensures the circuit's relevence in a fast developing 21st century.

There are six different configurations for the circuit and an extra 800 metres has been added to make the international track length 4.7km. The direction of traffic will be changed to make the track anti-clockwise with the first corner situated in a bit of an ampitheatre with new grandstands being built to give it a stadium-esque sort of approach.

The whole project can be completed in two years and will cost AUD$93 million. An important factor to consider is the closure of Oran park means Sydney lacks a proper motorsport venue and this means there's plenty of opportunity for the stakeholders to really get involved and turn this into a premier venue. Of course, this is just the basic results of the feasibility study, it still has to pass before the government who will either approve or reject the proposal, and with Tony Cochrane axing the Creek from the V8 Supercar calendar and pushing the Homebush option, it may still get dropped.

However, remember as well that Ecclestone wanted a night race for Melbourne and instead got a 5pm compromise. It could well be that he accepted Melbourne's proposal with an eye on the possible developments at Eastern Creek in which case the pressure is back on Melbourne. With Cochrane making it clear he does not support Eastern Creek, if this proposal does get the green light (and Cochrane's lack of support is a very big cross in the 'reasons to reject' column), you may just have to consider the possibility that a deal with Ecclestone has already been penciled in and Melbourne will not see out its agreed contract.

Anyway, now for the important stuff, the pics!





Eastern Creek raceway proposal revealed
Eastern Creek eager to poach the Aus grand prix

[MattW]

What the hell. Formula 1 is killing yet another track.

[fbc]

I'm not convinced on the layout - just seems to busy & technical in the mid-section without being flowing. But I suppose they only had limited space available to fit the extra distance in. The worst past is they've neutered Turn 1 (or Turn 536 as it would've become with a reversed racing direction).

[Red_Bull]

Originally Posted by MattW

What the hell. Formula 1 is killing yet another track.

Killing? Hardly. The place is stagnating as it is and with the V8 Supercars axing the circuit from its calendar there isn't much going for it as it stands. This development gives the circuit a chance in positioning itself as Australia's premier motorsport venue, and it also saves the place from being bulldozed in favour of housing, a fate that has seen the demise of Lameroo Park and Oran Park. The layout of the circuit has to comply with FIA regulations (that means stuff such as a heavy braking area at the end of the main straight) but the changes dont look too bad. Not inspiring I'll agree, but not bad.

[Devon]

If it sustains the tracks future, then I think this will be a great idea. The V8s would probably head back there after the upgrades are completed and I'm sure Bernie would be very interested in this project. I'm not sure why Tony Cochrane dumped Eastern Creek from the V8 series, I always thought it was a popular track for the series, you'd think they'd what to have a race in Sydney and this is the only track that is left there.

I do think though that the track might be better suited going in a clockwise direction, but we'll wait and see what it's like when it is completed, that is if the upgrades go ahead.

[MattW]

Originally Posted by Red_Bull

Killing? Hardly. The place is stagnating as it is and with the V8 Supercars axing the circuit from its calendar there isn't much going for it as it stands. This development gives the circuit a chance in positioning itself as Australia's premier motorsport venue, and it also saves the place from being bulldozed in favour of housing, a fate that has seen the demise of Lameroo Park and Oran Park. The layout of the circuit has to comply with FIA regulations (that means stuff such as a heavy braking area at the end of the main straight) but the changes dont look too bad. Not inspiring I'll agree, but not bad.

They're killing the flow of the course.

[SL65]

Originally Posted by MattW

They're killing the flow of the course.

My words exactly.

It looks like yet another uber-technical F1 course which smooth as silk and lack character, like some F1 courses.

Eastern Creek may look simple on paper but it sure beats the crap out of some of these modern tracks with their fancy pit towers and huge grandstands.



I enjoyed my first on-track experience ever, at Eastern Creek, a few weeks ago

[Devon]

ITV have picked up the story...

Sydney to attempt Aussie GP coup

Sunday, 10 August 2008

Sydney’s Eastern Creek circuit has proposed a major revamp, including the potential to stage a night race, with the aim of tempting the Australian Grand Prix away from its current home in Melbourne.

The redevelopment plans have been targeted at Bernie Ecclestone’s desire to introduce night races in the southern hemisphere and provide a more sociable broadcast time in Europe.

Melbourne’s organisers managed to strike a compromise deal through to 2015 in early July, which will see the race start at 5pm local time from next year.

But Allan Moffat, a board member of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) that leases the circuit from the New South Wales government, believes Ecclestone will soon tire of Melbourne’s reluctance to host a night race.

"Bernie Ecclestone will get sick of Melbourne's refusal to host a night race," Moffat told Australia’s Daily Telegraph.

"We would be in a position to take advantage.

“It would cost three times as much to develop a suitable facility on virgin land.

“We have the basis for it right here in the middle of Blacktown, Australia's fastest growing area."

The plans drawn out by the ARDC involve extending the circuit and reversing the direction of racing.

Clive Bowen from the British company Apex, which could carry out the plans within two years, said that a redesign would be necessary to meet F1 standards but 70% of the existing circuit could be retained.

"Regulations require a heavy braking zone at the end of the straight of a category one circuit," he said.

"It will be a spectacular sight in a natural amphitheatre."

Source

[fbc]

^ I can't see it happening - if Melbourne loses it the GP will go to another country, not another state. Besides, I think Bernie would be even less keen on the race being hosted at an anonymous track that could be *anywhere* - Albert Park has a great backdrop & location, Eastern Creek has, erm, nothing.