An increase in viewership for the first two GPs
While the concept of ‘twilight’ racing like in Australia or Malaysia is heavily criticized, one positive outcome is that TV audiences have never been better. This concept involves races starting at 5:00 PM local time. In France and generally in Europe, this timing falls during peak viewing hours (8:00 AM for Australia and 11:00 AM […]
While the concept of ‘twilight’ racing like in Australia or Malaysia is heavily criticized, one positive outcome is that TV audiences have never been better. This concept involves races starting at 5:00 PM local time. In France and generally in Europe, this timing falls during peak viewing hours (8:00 AM for Australia and 11:00 AM for Malaysia).
However, last Sunday at the Sepang circuit in Kuala Lumpur, the race was abruptly stopped due to one of those unbelievably violent tropical rains that tend to occur more in the late afternoon. This is why the organizers are questioning this concept, while Bernie Ecclestone is already calculating the financial benefits of increased audiences in the old continent.
In fact, the German and British broadcasting channels, RTL and the BBC respectively, have confirmed an increase in their audience compared to a year ago.
A concrete example announced by Formula One Management (FOM): The figures for the Australian Grand Prix were double those recorded in 2008 and triple those of 2007.
Even if the sun was relatively low in Australia with still sufficient brightness, night falls earlier in Malaysia. A change for 2010 and beyond would therefore be necessary for the Sepang race.
« I think next year’s race should start at 4:00 PM, » suggested Williams’ technical director, Sam Michael.
