Grand Prix after Grand Prix, be on time: here is the schedule

The FIA confirmed on Tuesday that the Malaysian Grand Prix will follow the example of the Australian Grand Prix by moving the start of its race to 5:00 PM local time (11:00 AM in Paris).

The directors of the Sepang circuit were under pressure from Bernie Ecclestone, who wanted a nighttime race in the country. Ultimately, and as in Melbourne, a compromise was reached with the event being held at 5:00 p.m. local time.

For the moment, Malaysia only sees this change because in Australia, the situation is quite different. Down under, it is highly likely that the Friday and Saturday sessions will be rescheduled.

The Formula One Management (FOM) announced on the official F1 website that the race schedule in Melbourne would be as follows: The first practice session of the season may start at 12:30 local time (2:30 in Paris) on Friday, with the second starting at 16:30 local time (6:30 in Paris). The last test session may be at 14:00 local time (4:00 in Paris) and the qualifications at 17:00 local time (7:00 in Paris).

However, these schedule changes have not yet been confirmed by the FIA.

The future entrants in the F1 calendar are warned; they will have to adjust their schedules according to the European audience. It’s the big money manager of Formula 1 who sets the rules.

Last year, in Paris, Ecclestone had stated: « I wanted these changes so that viewers in Europe would no longer have time constraints. »

« I am convinced that the decision to delay the departures, early 2009, is a victory for television in Europe, a victory for Melbourne, and a victory for Formula 1 as a whole. » Now we must add a victory for Sepang!

These schedule changes are proof that F1 is indeed breaking away from its traditions in order to attract as many people as possible in front of their TV screens. And thus to maximize profits in this area.

Last year, the first night race in Singapore also saw an adjustment in its schedule, with practice and qualifying taking place at night.

Schedule of the 2009 Formula 1 Grand Prix: