Gold Coast eyes future Australian GP

Mar.29 (GMM) Queensland has flagged a potential bid to poach the Australian grand prix from rival state Victoria, the current host of the F1 season opener in Melbourne.

In recent times, it has been New South Wales looking to steal Melbourne's thunder by proposing a race in famous Australian city Sydney.

But Queensland's major events minister Kate Jones has admitted she envisages world champion Lewis Hamilton and his rivals racing on the iconic Gold Coast.

"Of course we would love to talk to formula one about coming to the Gold Coast," she told the local Gold Coast Bulletin.

"We are always looking for quality events to attract visitors and investment to Queensland," Jones added.

Amid the latest Sydney rumours, F1 supremo Ecclestone said earlier this month that while happy with Melbourne, a change of venue for Australia cannot be ruled out.

"It would be a shame if we did move, but circumstances change a lot and things happen in the world so let's wait and see," he said.

As for Queensland's chances, however, a figure close to the V8 Supercar race on the streets of the famous Gold Coast played down the likelihood.

"It would be amazing to have here," said Brett Murray, "but Melbourne do a very good job and if it was to come here the investment required would be enormous."