Grapevine: Speed limit for Ferrari demonstration

Following the local controversy that was caused at the last public street demonstration for race cars in the city, where Antonio Pizzonia was estimated to have driven at more than 200 km/h, the local law enforcement community have made it clear they will not tolerate such speeds again.

Melbourne's police assistant commissioner Noel Ashby has said that it is imperative organisers stick to the agreed 60 km/h limit for the scheduled Ferrari F1 deonstration if such events are to take place again.

"I guess it's a matter of future co-operation," Mr Ashby was quoted as saying by The Age newspaper. "These events cannot occur without our support, and if they break the agreement we've struck then we would have to reconsider whether we enter into these agreements in future.

"We've entered into an agreement in good faith, that the car will not travel above 60 km/h, and we have every expectation that agreement will be adhered to."

Race chief Tim Bamford has said he is not worried about the imposition of the speed limit, and that the important thing was that the event goes ahead on March 3.

"This is not about speed," he said. "This is an opportunity to promote Melbourne, Australia, and our iconic Lygon Street precinct to the world."