Strike could derail season opener

A strike could force this month’s 2012 season opener into the gravel trap.

The local Herald Sun newspaper said hundreds of security guards have threatened to boycott the event over a pay dispute.

But promoter the Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s general manager Ashley Davies said the news is "a beat up".

"The grand prix is one of the best run sporting events in the world and there is no reason to suggest that 2012 will be any different," he said.