Australia hopes for more talents like Piastri with new track near Melbourne

The Australian state of Victoria is to invest $1.6 million to build a new racetrack in Avalon, near Melbourne. The new complex will go by as Victoria's 'Home of Motorsport'.

New circuit near Melbourne

The investment was announced by the Victoria government, which has designated a 150-hectare plot in Avalon as the site for the new circuit. The new 'Home of Motorsport' is to replace Sandown Raceway, which is likely to close due to urban expansion.

The new circuit will be used for test days as well as car and motorbike racing at all levels. "A Home of Motorsport at Avalon would inspire and encourage the development of up-and-coming drivers in their efforts to become household names like local heroes Oscar Piastri and Cameron Waters," said Steve Dimopoulos, minister of tourism, sport and major events in a statement issued by the Government of Victoria.

The new venue is just under 60 kilometres from Formula 1 circuit Albert Park, just a stone's throw away by Australian standards. Victoria's two other circuits are considerably further away: the Winton circuit is 225 kilometres away and Phillip Island, which is part of the MotoGP calendar, is 145 kilometres away.