Adelaide would have been the new host of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix if a secret plot by the South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas was successful.
A new report from The Advertiser reveals Mr Malinauskas was in secret talks with the highest levels of F1 management in April.
But despite a last-minute bid, he was told it was too late by F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali.
Last week Melbourne signed a deal to have the hosting rights of the Australian Grand Prix until 2035.
