New F1 deal for Melbourne ’will happen’ - Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone says he is confident Melbourne is staying on the F1 calendar beyond its 2015 contract.

"Yes," he told the Herald Sun newspaper. "Sure, sure, sure."

The F1 chief executive said a new contract will be signed "as soon as we get the lawyers sorted".

Ecclestone’s comments follow reports from within the state government that race organisers are pushing hard for a better financial deal.

But the 83-year-old Briton insisted: "It will happen, don’t worry about it."

Ecclestone said the government is no longer arguing with F1 over money.

"I think that’s all been sorted," he said. "It’s just the bits and pieces. It will happen."