Bernie Gets Night Race Agreement From Malaysia – Pressure Now On Others

Honda Racing

Mar 24, 2008

Ecclestone, 77, said Grand Prix organizers at the Sepang circuit outside Kuala Lumpur had agreed to start the race after 7 p.m. Today’s Malaysian Grand Prix began at 3 p.m.

Ecclestone said he’ll recommend the race starts no earlier than 7 p.m., requiring the circuit to be lighted.

Heat On Australian Grand Prix

Ecclestone has threatened to strip Australia of the race when Melbourne’s contract expires in 2010—unless organisers agree to stage the Grand Prix at night so European television audiences can see it live at a reasonable hour.

Australian organisers have flagged a twilight start to the race next year in a bid to satisfy Ecclestone and prevent the event heading offshore. But the organisers’ attempts have reportedly not gone down well with Ecclestone.

“It doesn’t help a lot. That’s not really what we’re looking for. It would be nice if the race was on at midday or 2pm for European audiences, but I guess that would mean it starting in the middle of the night in Australia.”

“Obviously, the later it is in Europe the better as far as I am concerned. I suppose it is easier getting up at 6am than 3am, so perhaps that’s something, but not what we are really looking for.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker this week said moves for a twilight grand prix would go “a long way to appeasing Mr Ecclestone’s aim to increase the television audience.”

“It is impossible for us to stage a night race without altering the legislation,” Walker said.

If Melbourne loses the race because of the government’s unwillingness to allow a night grand prix at the Albert Park street circuit, NSW Premier Morris Iemma has indicated Eastern Creek could host a night race instead.

“If the race is available at some stage we’d certainly be interested,” Mr Iemma said. “It’s not a blank cheque, but it could be held at a place like Eastern Creek, obviously with modifications. If Formula One is looking for a night race then Eastern Creek could be converted to suit them.”