Formula One news

Australian race organizers to compromise on start time

According to Australian Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker there is still room for negotiation on the start time of the Australian Grand Prix. Walker said he expects to come to a deal with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.

"I've made it absolutely clear that there will be no night grand prix race in Melbourne. We don't support it now, we don't support it post-2010," Ron Walker told Australian newspaper The Age. But after Sunday's exciting Grand Prix Walker did say there is still room for negotiation on the start time of the race. "We've said five o'clock; there might be a few minutes either way, but that's something for he and I to discuss and indeed the Premier to endorse at the appropriate time when he agrees to what our proposals are. We're not far off a compromise," Walker said.

Walker believes he will eventually be able to come to an agreement with Ecclestone. "Mr Ecclestone said it created enormous television interest around the world, and that our branding 'Melbourne, Australia' looked absolutely fine and pristine. So, here he is sitting in London and he's wished us all the best for the future. What better endorsement could you have," Walker said.

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