The Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) has revealed major redevelopment plans for Sydney’s Eastern Creek International Raceway in a bid to make it Australia’s premier closed circuit motor racing facility. If the plans go ahead the new circuit would have six different racing layouts, including the main ‘International’ circuit at 4.7km in length. As many as three of the layouts could be used simultaneously. The redesign, carried out by UK-based Apex Circuit Design, would meet the FIA’s strict regulations for Formula One racing.
Despite Melbourne extending its deal for Albert Park to host the Australian Grand Prix until 2015, could we see F1 in western Sydney? Four-time Australian touring car champion and ARDC board member, Allan Moffat, seems to think so. “Bernie Ecclestone will get sick of Melbourne’s refusal to host a night race,” Moffat told the 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 circuit would be one of the most exciting and demanding in this country, and the equal of many internationally,” Apex managing director Clive Bowen said. “It has been designed to challenge the most accomplished driver, yet also appeal to corporate users.”
There’s track days, and there’s track days. Sure, 
Australian Mark Webber has celebrated his contract extension with Red Bull Racing by setting the second fastest time in final qualifying at the 2008 British Grand Prix. Webber lapped the Silverstone circuit in 1:21.554, but was no match for McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen who blitzed the field winning his maiden pole position with a time of 1:21.049. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen qualified in third (1:21.706), ahead of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton (1:21.835) and BMW-Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld (1:21.873).
