The 2011 Australian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned after CAMS announced they have called a truce on their bickering with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC). A letter from CAMS CEO, David Morgan, has been distributed to affiliates which reads in part, “I am very pleased to advise CAMS members that our President Andrew Papadopoulos announced today that we have signed an agreement with AGPC for CAMS to be the sporting Organiser as defined in the Formula One Sporting Regulations.”
Tensions were raised when the AGPC threatened to de-register the role of CAMS as GP organisers if they did not lower the fee charged for running the event.
Now, though, both parties should be singing from the same hymn sheet with Morgan’s letter continuing, “CAMS is delighted to have reached this agreement and looks forward to continuing its role in one of the world’s best Formula 1 events and helping to make it an even greater success.” The full letter from David Morgan can be read after the jump.
In other Australian Grand Prix news, Qantas has renewed its sponsorship for the 2011 race. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said, “Qantas has been associated with the Australian Grand Prix for 25 years and we are especially looking forward to next year’s event with Qantas as the Premier Partner.”
Next year’s Australian Grand Prix will run across the weekend of 24–27 March and will follow Bahrain as the second race on the 2011 F1 calendar.
[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images | Thanks to Mick for the tip]
CAMS and AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX CORPORATION REACH AGREEMENT
Recently I wrote to you about the dispute over the negotiations with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) over the organisation of the 2011 event. I am very pleased to advise CAMS members that our President Andrew Papadopoulos announced today that we have signed an agreement with AGPC for CAMS to be the sporting Organiser as defined in the Formula One Sporting Regulations.
This agreement not only ensures the grand prix will be run to the highest standards of safety and efficiency, benefiting from the expertise developed by CAMS in undertaking the same role at every modern Australian Grand Prix since Adelaide in 1985 and at the grands prix of Singapore, Bahrain and Korea, it also ensures that CAMS is compensated for its direct and indirect costs and avoids any need to dip into CAMS reserves.
In a statement to the media, Andrew has said “CAMS is delighted to have reached this agreement and looks forward to continuing its role in one of the world’s best Formula 1 events and helping to make it an even greater success”.
“Our officials are renowned internationally and trained to the highest standards. They will make an irreplaceable contribution to the running of the AGP.”
I am also very pleased to advise that the agreement includes several direct benefits for CAMS and its membership of more than 50,000.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation will offer exclusive discounts on admission tickets to members of CAMS-affiliated car clubs accessible via CAMS web site”.
We also have secured a number of display locations at the Albert Park circuit which will be used by CAMS car clubs to promote the benefits of membership and CAMS affiliation and also to stage our Ignition Program throughout the event.
In addition, I’m delighted to announce that winners of CAMS national championships will be recognised with a parade lap during the grand prix weekend.
This is a first for CAMS and its champions. To be recognised publicly at the country’s premier motor sport event will be not only a great honour, but also an opportunity to display the breadth of motor sport for which CAMS is responsible as the governing body in Australia.
CAMS is very conscious of the great support that its officials and members have given us during these negotiations. We have received numerous emails and personal statements supporting our position, for which, on behalf of CAMS, I express our appreciation.
Yours sincerely
David Morgan
Chief Executive Officer