Planet-F1

F1 drivers give support to Aussie GP

Saturday 15th March 2008

Mark Webber and Giancarlo Fisichella have given their support to the Australian GP amidst reports that Bernie Ecclestone could axe the race.

Ecclestone is insisting that Australia swap to a night race in order to make it more European timezone friendly or risk him not renewing the race's contract.

However, with the race's organisers refusing to do so - although offering to start the grand prix at 5pm local time - the Australian GP could cease to exist when the circuit's deal expires in 2010.

The F1 drivers, though, have urged Ecclestone to save the race, saying Australia is one of the better grand prix on the calendar.

"Of course I would be disappointed if it left Australia. We started in Adelaide in '85, I think, and we've had a grand prix in this country ever since, so it's been a very very good run for us, to have the best drivers and teams to come down here for 22, 23 years or whatever it is, to compete," said Australia's only F1 driver Webber.

"There are a lot of historic moments and special drivers that have come down here to race and we should really keep that in mind, and embrace it and try and work hard to try and continue to keep the event here, irrespective of whether there's an Australian on the grid or whatever.

"I think it's still good that we work hard to have it here. It's a long way from Europe and it's a long first flight for everybody to come in terms of logistics; it's a hard first race of the year in terms of spares and parts and stuff to get everything here but I think once everyone gets here and everyone gets settled in, I think the facilities for you guys, for the photographers and drivers and everyone, it's a very very good event.

"It's a safe city as well, that's always useful, because not all the cities that we go to are massively safe, so we can just go and relax and enjoy it. I think it's one of the best countries - of course, I'm from here - but I hope there's quite a few people that agree that it's one of the best countries to come to, to compete in, and I hope we can continue to keep coming here.

Fisichella added: "Yeah, I agree with Mark. I really like this country. There is a fantastic atmosphere around the town. I've got great memories of Melbourne, first of all my first race in 1996 and my winning race in 2005, so I've got a great feeling from the circuit, with the atmosphere in the town. There are very good restaurants around, so it would be nice to keep coming here in the future."