Bernie Ecclestone backs Melbourne's secret Formula 1 fee

Bernie Ecclestone has joined the local state government in Australia in refusing to divulge the cost of the annual Formula 1 race.

The race fee paid by Melbourne organisers to the Ecclestone-led Formula One Management is picked up entirely by taxpayers, but Victorian sports minister John Eren argues that the actual amount must remain secret.

"We're not in the business of giving rival cities around the world that want our flagship event a competitive advantage," he told the local Herald Sun newspaper.

The report speculates that the fee could be as high as $38m (£26.4m), but Ecclestone backed the government in keeping it a secret.

"I don't think there is any need to [inform taxpayers]," the 85-year-old said.

"Why do we need to? It's all a private thing.

Told that the taxpayers may object to the amount if it became public knowledge, he insisted: "I don't see it is anybody's business except the people that are party to the agreement."

Mercedes have come out on top in the last three iterations of the Australian Grand Prix.