The future of the Australian GP as seen by Ecclestone…
The Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, stated that it was unlikely he would extend the contract for the Australian Grand Prix beyond 2010. The event organizers are still reluctant to make this Australian event a night race. Ecclestone clearly stated at the beginning of the year that the future of the race would depend on […]
The Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, stated that it was unlikely he would extend the contract for the Australian Grand Prix beyond 2010. The event organizers are still reluctant to make this Australian event a night race.
Ecclestone clearly stated at the beginning of the year that the future of the race would depend on its ability to become a night race. This is so the event can be broadcast at a more suitable time for European viewers.
However, in Melbourne, the organizers are reluctant because this change would lead to an increase in costs to install all the necessary lighting around the track.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Ecclestone stated: « The only way for Melbourne or any city in Australia to keep this Grand Prix would be to become a night race so that the audience in Europe can watch it. »
« For the moment, it seems ridiculous to me that European fans don’t sleep just to be able to watch it. This cannot continue this way. »
« The alternative would be to reconsider this race in Australia. I spoke again with the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and he told me that it would be too costly to reconfigure the race to make it a night event, so I guess that’s a good reason. Our presence in Australia won’t be for much longer! » Concluded Ecclestone.
