2013 AnnuAl RepoRt - Australian Grand Prix

Stoner was able to enjoy the moment himself: “I actually took notice in the last few laps tosee everyone cheering me on,” he admitted. “It was very important to win a race before Iretire and to do it at my home Grand Prix is just a fairytale.”The day was all the more special because there was an Australian on the podium in all threeWorld Championship classes. Ant West has never been in the spotlight in Australia, his careerebbing and flowing with the years, but at Phillip Island the 31-year-old Queenslander camegood – for the second race in a row.Straight from second place in Malaysia, West on his QMMF Speed Up split the two men vyingfor the world title, Pol Espargaro and Marc Marquez, to claim the unlikeliest of Moto2podiums in second place. “It’s days like this why I have been fighting for 13 years at thislevel,” said West.The first race of the day was the first visit to Bass Strait for the new Moto3 class. Adelaideteenager Arthur Sissis produced the ride of his young life to bring his Red Bull KTM through tothird place behind new World Champion Sandro Cortese and Portuguese prodigy MiguelOliveira – his first World Championship podium.King Casey may be gone – but is there a new prince waiting in the wings?AcknowledgementsOn behalf of our Board, I congratulate Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO AndrewWestacott and his dedicated team of young men and women for delivering two of ourState’s biggest events. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our Minister, The HonLouise Asher MP for her expert leadership and unwavering support.Thanks too to all of our partners, in particular our naming rights partners Rolex and AirAsia.I would like to express my sadness following the passing of James Strong AO. A formermember of the AGPC Board, James provided exceptional leadership and made anenormous contribution to both the Formula 1 ® Australian Grand Prix and the AustralianMotorcycle Grand Prix. He was a wonderful supporter of motorsport in Australia and hisgenerosity of spirit will live on through the careers of those he fostered and encouragedwholeheartedly. His wise counsel will be sadly missed.I would also like to recognise the honorary work of the AGPC Board; Deputy Chairman JohnHarnden, and Directors Laura Anderson, William Bowness, Patrick Flannigan, Gillian Franklin,Alan Oxley and Ken Ryan. I pay particular tribute to Bill Bowness, who retired from the boardfrom July 2013, and thank him for his five and a half years of service to the Corporation.We look forward to continued success in 2014 and beyond.Ronald J Walker AC CBEChairman6 Australian Australian Grand Grand Prix Corporation Prix Corporation Annual Report Annual 2013 Report 62013