Change in broadcast schedule for the Australian GP?

The former boss of the Minardi team present in Formula 1 a few years ago, Paul Stoddart believes that a compromise such as starting the Australian Grand Prix at 5 p.m. will not be enough to appease Bernie Ecclestone!

The latter wants the Melbourne race to become a night event while the organizers are firmly opposed to it; a proposal for a race start at 5 PM is under consideration.

This schedule change would be positive for both European and Asian viewers and would ensure that the Albert Park circuit does not have to invest in overly expensive lighting systems.

But Stoddart, who flew to Australia to watch the race live, is convinced that this idea will not satisfy Ecclestone and that it will not make him backtrack…

« The only thing that would appease Bernie would be a completely nocturnal race, » said Stoddart to the Herald Sun.

« It would be interesting to see which direction the schedule will take next year. There are many countries that will spend 50 million dollars to pay a sanction tax, but at least they will be happy. »

The president of the Australian Grand Prix, Ron Walker, is adamant that there is no chance of a night race in Melbourne due to a clear lack of funding.

He believes the 5:00 PM schedule will be sufficient to meet the requirements of the television broadcasting organizations.

« Let’s be clear, we made a big compromise regarding Mr. Ecclestone’s wishes. »

« I think Mr. Ecclestone is a very fair person, probably one of the greatest promoters of this sport in the world today, and I am sure he understands our situation, » said Walker.

Speaking about the difficulty of making this event a night race, Walker added: « We are in the middle of 300 hectares of land. It would not only require lighting for the track but the entire park would need to be illuminated for the safety of our guests. »