Feb.9 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has poured cold water on claims that the interest of rival city Sydney could rescue the beleaguered Australian grand prix.

Melbourne chiefs have made it clear that they will not bow to the F1 chief executive's demands for a night race, which could mean that, in 2011, Australia could be without a championship round for the first time since 1984.

The premier of rival Australian state New South Wales, however, recently said that he might be interested in making a bid for a race in the famous Australian city of Sydney.

But 77-year-old Ecclestone told the Melbourne newspaper Herald Sun: "There is nothing in Sydney -- they haven't even got a circuit."

The diminutive billionaire also made it clear that he is serious about not including Melbourne on the grand prix calendar of 2011.

"I'm sure Melbourne will survive without a grand prix," the Briton said. It seems it would be better without it."

He said he agrees with Victorian premier John Brumby's position that if the F1 race is "not good value, they shouldn't continue with it".