TBK-Light.com

Nah don't think they are going back there. That's been shit-canned for good. If they don't go to Phillip Island they're fucking nuts.

Speedcafe.com understands that the TBA event is unlikely to be run in the Middle East region, ruling out the likes of Qatar, Bahrain and Dubai.

India is also understood to be an unlikely venue, although it is being considered for the expanded 2013 calendar.

This leaves South East Asia as the most likely region for the extra event, which includes countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China or perhaps an earlier-than-expected visit to the Philippines.

Regardless, Cochrane says that there is only one venue under consideration for the TBA event and it will be “east of Turkey.”

“It is well and truly down the track,” said Cochrane of filling the empty slot.

“Have we absolutely 100 percent finalised it? No we have not. Do I believe it will be 100 percent finalised? Yes I do.”

Gil de Ferran will replace Lucas di Grassi at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars race, organisers announced on Tuesday.

The Brazilian, a double IndyCar champion and former Indy 500 winner, will return to the Surfers Paradise circuit, having raced there in seven occasions during his IndyCar career.

Di Grassi, Pirelli's Formula 1 test driver, had signed up for the event last month, but he will not be racing for unspecified reasons.

De Ferran, who was most recently involved in motorsport as team boss for his own IndyCar squad, will take his place in the Mother Energy Racing's Ford Falcon alongside Jonathan Webb.

The NZ round may be heading to Auckland after Hamilton finishes in 2012.

During a visit to Hamilton yesterday, PM Key told the NZ Herald that the possibility of a race at the Whenuapai Air Base was a “wonderful thing” and could have Auckland’s support.

“There’s a facility there [in Whenuapai], it’s not without its complications as well, but it would certainly work and attract a large audience,” said Key.

Saw these over at Ten-tenths.

RIP Oran Park