Today marks 50 days until the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne.

It’ll be the first time the event has gone ahead in three years, and Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott says he’s counting down the days.

He says there will be “big, big, big crowds this year and huge ticket sales”.

Massive demand for tickets has led organisers to install extra grandstands which will increase seating capacity by 38 per cent.

“Most of the pent up demand has been Victorian-based which is sensational,” Mr Westacott told Ross and Russel.

Mr Westacott also responded to the sacking of Australian F1 race director Michael Masi overnight, in the wake of controversy at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Mr Masi altered the safety car procedure in the final lap, a move which cost Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton a record eighth title and granted victory to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

“I do feel for Michael because he’s a wonderful character, a personal friend,” Mr Westacott said.

“It’s a disappointing outcome but it was possibly always going to end that way given the decisions that were made, but the race did finish under a racing condition.”

Press PLAY below to hear Mr Westacott on ticket demand + Michael Masi’s sacking