2008 AGP to start later to suit European Audience

Bullett · 21 Jul 2007, 13:12 (Ref:1969034)

Thought I'd post this as there is something towards Melbourne heading to a compromise with Bernie for a night race...

"the GP will be held at least an hour later than its usual start time of 2pm to attract a bigger European television audience...Mr Ecclestone is pushing for a night GP to be held in Melbourne if Victoria wants to retain the event beyond its existing 2010 entitlement.

Plans are under way for a trial of night racing to be held on the GP track on the Thursday before the Sunday race.

The GP Corp and the State Government are believed to be planning an announcement soon of the date the event will be held next year.

They will also confirm next year's race will be held later in the day."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...06-661,00.html

FPV GTHO · 21 Jul 2007, 13:42 (Ref:1969083)

I have to wonder what effect 1 hour will make.

Knowlesy · 21 Jul 2007, 13:55 (Ref:1969101)

Hmmm, now instead of sitting up and waiting until 2:00am for the pre-race show, I will have to wait until 3:00am.

Great decision.

Sodemo · 21 Jul 2007, 14:08 (Ref:1969121)

It used to be great watching the Australian GP whilst at Uni.

We used to go out Saturday night, get more than a little drunk and then come back from the club around 1am ish then party back at the flat and watch the GP... whilst playing Fleetwood Mac's The Chain at stupidly high volumes... ahhh good times.

duke_toaster · 21 Jul 2007, 19:58 (Ref:1969381)

It's ****ing in the wind, it's still a bad time and hopefully it will become a full night race.

Mr Revhead · 22 Jul 2007, 02:23 (Ref:1969568)

oi! you euros stfu!
please leave us at least ONE race on during day light.... we have to watch the entire season in the middle of the night!!!

Bullett · 22 Jul 2007, 09:32 (Ref:1969722)

They said at least 1 hour later and a thursday night test at night...

**Adam43** · 22 Jul 2007, 09:55 (Ref:1969737)

I could not be more outraged.

I already thought it was held later in the afternoon because of this!

Knowlesy · 22 Jul 2007, 11:50 (Ref:1969833)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Revhead

oi! you euros stfu!
please leave us at least ONE race on during day light.... we have to watch the entire season in the middle of the night!!!

With a turn of phrase like that, may I just say I would be delighted if the Aussie GP was moved to run at 3:00am....Australian time.

nickyf1 · 22 Jul 2007, 14:53 (Ref:1970118)

Arggh. He just doesn't get it does he? So, i have to stay up for another hour?? by then i will be asleep watching crappy programs...

Pro Racer · 22 Jul 2007, 16:38 (Ref:1970235)

that just makes it worse for our european friends make them sit up until 3 instead of 2, would be much better to have it earlier say at about 10 am local time, then it would atleast be not perfect but decent for european viewers and we wouldn't have to worry about lighting etc for night racing.

Mekola · 22 Jul 2007, 17:19 (Ref:1970294)

Even it would be better for Americans, who will see the race at around 7-10 pm, on Saturday night.

FPV GTHO · 22 Jul 2007, 17:28 (Ref:1970304)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pro Racer

that just makes it worse for our european friends make them sit up until 3 instead of 2, would be much better to have it earlier say at about 10 am local time, then it would atleast be not perfect but decent for european viewers and we wouldn't have to worry about lighting etc for night racing.

I dont think running the race earlier has even been considered by the officials. Bernie wants it run at night, but the only idea the VIC government and the AGPC are taking seriously is potentially running the race in February between 8-10pm under natural light.

racer69 · 23 Jul 2007, 04:38 (Ref:1970772)

Quote:

Originally Posted by duke_toaster

It's ****ing in the wind, it's still a bad time and hopefully it will become a full night race.

Melbourne will never become a full night race, the costs would be way too high.

The best hope would be a twilight race.

But as mentioned above, leave it in the afternoon. We've got to stay up late to watch all the other races, give us a chance to watch or home GP in the day.

Bullett · 23 Jul 2007, 10:08 (Ref:1970986)

It was announced today that Melbourne will be round 2 in 2008 and the race will start 90 minutes later than usual at 3:30pm local time. If they ran F1 in the morning then the once a year people will leave and be home for the family dinner with relo's and the motorsport followers here can take in more racing. I think Aus have lost F1 at the end of this contract

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