11/03/2008
NEWS STORY
Those not used to the whims and rants of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone might be forgiven for thinking the old boy is totally off his rocker, should they get to hear the mans latest comments regarding the future of the Australian Grand Prix.
As organizers do their best to appease him, stating that they are willing to host the 2009 event at 17.00 having already shifted the 2008 race to a 15.30 timeslot - ninety minutes later than the traditional start time - Ecclestone's demands get ever sillier, with the 77-year-old suggesting the race be held at 1 am!
Reacting to the latest offer from the GP organizers, led by his close friend Ron Walker, Ecclestone told the Sydney Morning Herald: "It doesn't help a lot. That's not really what we're looking for.
"It would be nice if the race was on at midday or 2pm for European audiences," he added, "but I guess that would mean it starting in the middle of the night in Australia. Obviously, the later it is in Europe the better as far as I am concerned. I suppose it is easier getting up at 6am than 3am, so perhaps that's something, but not what we are really looking for."
The threat that Melbourne must switch to a night race, coupled with the demands for more money are leaving many Australians hacked off - to put it mildly - with many clearly tired of being held to ransom.
Many Australian race fans have written to Pitpass stating that although they don't want to lose their round of the World Championship, they are sick to death of Ecclestone's constant demands and the feeling that their country is merely being used.
On a lighter note, those race fans and tax payers who feel they are forever being told to "bend over and spread 'em" by Formula One's powers that be, might be interested to know that at least Ecclestone's hands are always nice and clean. (click here)