F1: Talks underway for Melbourne F1 night race (2nd Update)
The topic of moving the Australian GP to a night race to give better TV time slots to the USA and Europe has again come up.
Speaking to Melbourne radio station 3AW, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said that while a night race remained under consideration, he recognized the benefits of keeping the grand prix in the afternoon.
“This year when we were there, there were a lot of people thinking it could be a possibility,” he said. “I think that in terms of TV, for the possibility to be seen in Europe, for example, that can help.
“But on the other hand I would say that to see that beautiful skyline of Melbourne and Albert Park at that time of the day is really very, very nice.”
Domenicali said the race’s reputation had earned it the opportunity to own its time slot.
“The beauty of being in Australia is that no matter the time of the race, in Europe, the Far East — wherever it is — there is such an excitement,” he said.
“That’s why we signed such a long-term agreement with Australia and with Melbourne.
“I am really thrilled, and everyone is loving coming to Melbourne for that specific weekend.”
Domenicali said he recognized maintaining momentum required responding to local needs rather than dictating strategy from head office in London.
“The growth can come only if we are able to capture the attention of the audience,” he said. “If you are using the same language as them, if you are using the narratives.
“It has to be different from place to place, from sensibility to sensibility.
“The only way to make sure that we can grow is to not lose the attention … to understand where the fans are, making sure that we can create the right sport on the track, create great excitement during the event — and I have to say in that respect Melbourne is doing an incredible job.
“That’s the only way I can see use growing all around the world.”
The F1 chief added that the sport had a responsibility to cater to established audiences as well as continue attracting new fans to Formula 1.
“We have the duty from one side to capture their attention and from the other side of course to make sure that we are loyal to our fans that have been following us since beginning of our era,” he said.
“So it is a great moment for all of us, it is true, and it is also great that we can share that all around the world, because we are growing from Australia, from Melbourne, to the US to Europe to the Far East.
“So that is great, and I am very grateful to everyone that is believing in us.”
April 5, 2023
Joe Saward reports that the latest Melbourne state budgets for future Grands Prix already have contingencies to allow for lighting, although the state will probably buy rather than rent and so the equipment can be used over time for other events, which would be better at night.
March 31, 2023
(GMM) F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali admits talks are underway about converting the Australian GP from a daytime race to one that is run under floodlights.
Melbourne’s current Formula 1 contract runs all the way until 2035, but if organizers want the race to take place after dark, then it will require the installation of floodlights.
“We discussed it, why not?” Domenicali told the Australian Financial Review.
“It’s a matter of investment, but it could be attractive, that’s why when you plan for so long, you can really think about what is the best to create new products.”
Andrew Westacott, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) chief who is stepping down later this year, said the current 3pm start time “works beautifully”.
“But you never say never in Formula 1, I can tell you,” he added.
AGPC chairman Paul Little agrees that a Melbourne night race is possible, but installation of the floodlighting would cost a lot of money.
“I’d love to not rule out a night grand prix,” he said. “I just think if we could make that work, it would be an amazing spectacle.”
If Melbourne does make a night race commitment, it might also boost the event’s chances of returning to the very top of the annual F1 calendar.
“It’s a part of the discussion,” F1 CEO Domenicali said. “We want to have the flexibility to have open choices.
“It’s as simple as that, it could be possible.”
Paul Little added: “There is no question more people would watch it if they could see it live at a reasonable hour on the other side of the world.
“So I think we will continue to explore the viability and the capability of doing that.”