Australian GP may be raced at night

Australian Grand Prix organizers are looking at running the race at night if plans to hold other formula one events in the region under lights go ahead.

Formula one boss Bernie Ecclestone has discussed the idea with Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker and will have talks with race officials at the weekend's season-opener at Albert Park.

"We are looking at it and when Bernie gets here, we'll talk to him about it again. He hasn't said to me that we have to do it. It's an option," Mr. Walker said.

He confirmed that the corporation was investigating power needs for floodlighting the circuit and was studying the environmental impact.

"It's not a fait accompli by any means," Mr. Walker said. "There are problems with the power grid in Albert Park. It will take a massive amount of kilowatts to light up the track for the drivers, plus there are also environmental issues."

Mr. Ecclestone is keen to add a night street race in Singapore and convert other rounds in the region into after-dark spectacles to attract more TV viewers in Europe.

Australian driver Mark Webber said: "It'd be absolutely fantastic. I've been saying it for years, and I'm sure Ron (Walker) will work closely with Bernie to make sure we can get one.

"It'd be great in Melbourne." The Age