Australia firmly rules out a night race
The Australian Grand Prix has ruled out the possibility of becoming a night race despite pressure from Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. The current contract expires in 2010 and it has been made clear that the Australian Grand Prix would disappear from the official calendar if the event is not transformed into a night race. […]
The Australian Grand Prix has ruled out the possibility of becoming a night race despite pressure from Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
The current contract expires in 2010 and it has been made clear that the Australian Grand Prix would disappear from the official calendar if the event is not transformed into a night race.
Read Ecclestone’s statements
However, Drew Ward, President of the Australian Grand Prix, believes that the decision to move the race start time to 3:30 PM is already sufficient to satisfy European viewers.
Speaking about a night race and Ecclestone’s comments, Ward said: « In the current circumstances, the Victorian government has ruled out a night race. In 2008, we have changed the race start time to be slightly later on Sunday afternoon. »
« The race start is scheduled for 3:30 PM, so it is a bit better suited for broadcast in Europe. We will, no doubt, revisit this point in 2009. We think it’s a reasonable compromise. »
Ward added that he was not concerned about Ecclestone’s remarks and said that the focus was currently on organizing the upcoming weekend.
« Frankly, at the moment it’s the least of my worries, » he admitted in response to Ecclestone’s threats about the long-term race.
« We are focused on the events that are ahead of us. »
« We know that, regardless of what happens beyond 2010, we have to organize a big event taking place in a week. There is also 2009 and 2010. And what happens beyond 2010, we will see later. »
