Sydney stunt gets go-ahead

Sources have told autosport.com that the final plans are now being put in place for the event, which will almost certainly grab the interest of the Australian nation ahead of Melbourne's 10th anniversary celebrations this year.

Australian Grand Prix boss Ron Walker is understood to have negotiated with New South Wales premier Bob Carr for the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to be closed on Sunday February 27 for the event - which is believed to have been the first time that the landmark will have been shut for such an promotion.

Rumours of the Sydney stunt have been around for a few weeks after Webber let slip to a few Australian journalists at the Williams launch that plans were underway. When asked about his schedule for arriving in Australia he was quoted as saying: "A bit earlier than normal - because of the drive across the harbour bridge. Oh, was I supposed to tell you about that?"

Although the news of the Harbour Bridge event has not been officially confirmed, sources close to the talks claim that Melbourne and Sydney representatives have already agreed for the run to happen and that the talks taking place over the rest of this week are merely to finalise the small details. It is not clear yet how fast Webber will be allowed to drive his Williams.

"The event will take place," said one source. "It is going to be pretty spectacular."

Melbourne will host its own street demonstration in its city on the Wednesday before the grand prix, featuring a run that will take in many of the city's famous landmarks.

* Bridge picture courtesy of City of Sydney