Webber tells Australians to embrace F1 GP

"It's an absolutely brilliant event and it's one of few international events we have here in Australia," Webber was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald.

"If you want to watch the best guys in the world, you need to embrace it and continue to support the event.

"People need to understand Formula One a bit more."

There had been rumours that the race could be moved from Melbourne to the Flemington Racecourse after the event's current contract expires in 2010, as the Victorian government suffered big losses in this year's race.

Webber, who had already called for the race to stay in Melbourne, insisted the Grand Prix should be kept where it is.

"This model works here (in Melbourne). I can't think of any other place," Webber added.

"You're going to have to put a huge amount of cash into making another venue work and we've got one here on the doorstep of a city which is humming and buzzing Grand Prix weekend.

"We've just got to sort out the numbers side of things."