Despite missing the V8 supercars, Australian organisers are expecting a rise in attendance at this year’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Attendance in 2006 fell by about 15% and the finger of blame was pointed firmly at the Commonwealth Games, as many people chose to buy tickets there instead of at the Grand Prix.

This year, 350,000 are expected to turn up to the race weekend, compared with about 300,000 last year. However the circuit organisers are remaining coy and will merely say that ticket sales are ‘progressing well’ and should match the event’s average attendance of 346,000.

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