Comments on: Australia and night races: why?

By: Athlander

Athlander — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:39:57 +0000

This could be Ecclestone’s way of moving to another venue in Australia, or leaving Australia altogether for somewhere like India. He makes unreasonable demands – Melbourne refuses to accept, so he pulls the plug, claiming Melbourne had every chance to keep the GP.

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:45:00 +0000

I don’t think Ecclestone seriously expects the race to be on at 3am, I think Pitpass’s headline was a bit of a joke.

And that Losail track in Qatar is a rubbish circuit regardless of what time the race is held. I hope F1 gives it a miss.

By: Ponzonha

Ponzonha — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:23:19 +0000

I agree with you, there is a charm on staying awarke or getting up early. In Oviedo, my hometown and Alonso’s hometown too, there are lots of pubs with big screens that display the race for the delightment of the fans that gather around some beers.
Nevertheless, I found the Qatar GP and interesting choice, but I do not think it is worth the money.

By: Pink Peril

Pink Peril — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:14:48 +0000

I too watched Qatar, and thought that the night race had no atmosphere.

You couldn’t see the stands, the fans or the track surrounds. It looked like they were there all alone, racing. Very lacklustre. Although the race itself was great, but being at night added nothing to it.

I have long been incredulous about Bernie’s demands for a night race. FFS for the other 18 rounds a year I get up in the wee sma’s to watch the race – surely Europeans can be bothered to get up and watch ONE race a year that is in the middle of the night? I know when I was living in Edinburgh a few years ago I got up at 3am to watch the Melbourne race.

Why don’t us Australians – as race watchers and race goers – count to Bernie?
The lack of respect he has for us is astounding. I almost ~almost~ wish he’d take his race away so I don’t have to buy a ticket any more and contribute to making that greedy little man even richer.

Surely it’s time for him to go?

By: Oliver White

Oliver White — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:55:15 +0000

Good post. I fail to see the appeal as well. I must admit I am a bit excited by the Singapore race, but I think that is mainly because the circuit looks interesting more than anything else.

I think the BRDC should run the British Grand Prix at night just so residents of the Far East don’t have to stay up so late to watch motor racing. It will also be shown at prime time in America as well, thus annoying Ecclestone no-end.