Mat Coch writes:

Former Red Bull driver turned television commenter David Coulthard has sprung to the defence of the Australian Grand Prix.

Writing in the Telegraph the Scot claims "it would be a huge shame if the contract was discontinued as has been threatened."

The future of the Australian race has come under increasing threat in recent years as the it continues to operate at an ever-increasing loss. Propped up by the government the Grand Prix has become a political hot potato as tax payers foot the bill, much to the dismay of many locals.

"There are a few naysayers who point out that the local government pays $A50 million (£32 million) per year but I have seen studies which suggest that it brings in $A160 million (£102 million) in increased revenues," Coulthard contends. "We should be saying that it generates $A110 million (£70 million)."

Making a rare appearance at his home Grand Prix three-time world champion Sir Jack Brabham agrees. "I cannot understand anybody knocking it," said the 84 year old. "It's one of the most wonderful things that's ever happened to Melbourne and hopefully it will go on forever."

To Brabham the sport has changed markedly since his retirement in 1970, citing money as a key difference "there's a lot of money in it now, which there wasn't in my day," he concedes. "Unfortunately I was born thirty years too early!"

While there were Australian Grands Prix during Brabham's era, indeed the 1956 race was held in Albert Park, none of the events counted towards the Formula One World Championship.

Interestingly Coulthard - who enjoys pay cheques from both Red Bull and the BBC, a fact which many believe constitutes a conflict of interest - effectively enjoyed competing in two home Grands Prix each season during his long career, one in Great Britain and the other in the tax haven principality of Monaco where he resides.