Jun.16 (GMM) Ron Walker and Bernie Ecclestone, the central players in talks about the future of the Australian grand prix, are both silent in the face of reports that Melbourne's contract is to be renewed through 2015.
Both, however, are in London, where the negotiations are undoubtedly now in full swing.But the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC), of which Walker - the renowned Melbourne businessman - is chairman, would not expand on the unconfirmed reports, while F1 chief executive Ecclestone's office said the 77-year-old is unavailable for comment.The Melbourne newspaper The Age claims that two issues are central to the finalisation of a deal -- the local Victorian government's refusal to host races after sunset, and Ecclestone's request for a substantially higher annual promotion fee.