Speaking at the post-practice press conference today, Jean Todt and Flavio Briatore shared their thoughts on the subject which appears to dominate F1 at present - not the customer car row - the prospect of a night race.

Just days after Bernie Ecclestone admitted that he wants to see the calendar expanded to twenty races, including at least one night event, Renault boss Briatore said: "If the drivers are happy and technically it is possible to make sure it is safe for the drivers and the spectators, I am happy to do more races. Especially if the race is held at night, it is perfect for Europe. There would be more publicity and good communication for Formula One."

Safety is clearly the key factor for Todt also

"We must make sure safety is the number one item," said the Frenchman. "I was talking with people from TV and there may be some doubts there. There is a street race in Monte Carlo with a lot of history. People talk about why we can't have another street race but we need to make sure that it goes in the right direction and that it is a really good race."

Asked his opinion of the current trend, whereby Ecclestone is taking F12 away from its traditional European heartland and into Asia, Todt replied: "Formula One is a world-wide event.

"On one side I like history and most of the races are still in Europe," he continued. "However, you have places like Malaysia, Turkey, China and Abu Dhabi pushing for better organisation. And it pushes Europe to improve their organisation. It is healthy competition."

Reflecting Ecclestone's philosophy, Briatore admitted that Europe needs to raise its game: "This is the evolution of Formula One. Now corporations are more involved. We need hospitality, hotels near the airport and good service and in some places this is not the case, including Magny-Cours in France.

"Sure, Europe is important but I'm happy to race in different countries," he added.