Melbourne keeping an 'open mind' about night race GP

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation should be "open minded" about the possibility of running its event under the floodlights in Melbourne, insists AGPC boss Andrew Westacott.

Melbourne has a long-term deal in place with Formula 1 that will see the sport race at Albert Park until at least 2037.

Give the longevity of AGPC's new contract, Westacott believes that switching the event to a night race in the future – a status already enjoyed by six races on this year's calendar – is an option that should be considered.

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"[For] the [Australian Grand Prix] Corporation, the preference is in the [race happening in] sunshine," Westacott told Sky F1 on Friday.

"But what I would also say is, as you evolve, the one thing that Victoria does well is innovate in major events.

"You've got to look at the 15-year horizon now and that's why the Victorian government saw that this was important to secure [the new deal] – you can actually do things into the future.

"The great thing is we've had a partnership with Formula 1 since 1996 and therefore you can do these things with a very strong relationship. So be open-minded is probably the simple answer."

While a night race Down Under would place Melbourne's event in a better time slot for European F1 fans, the change would also require a significant investment in terms of lighting infrastructure.

While Westacott, who will pass on his baton as AGPC boss at the end of the year, made no mention of any talks with Formula 1 on the matter, Stefano Domenicali said the topic had been discussed with Melbourne's organisers.

"We discussed about it, why not?" the F1 CEO told The Australian Financial Review.

"It’s a matter of investment. But it could be attractive, that’s why when you plan [ahead] for so long, you can really think what is the best to create new products."

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