The concerns of organisers and drivers aside, Bernie Ecclestone insists F1's controversial new 'twilight' start-time concept has been a success.

In Australia and Malaysia this season, the green light was delayed until 5pm local to better serve the bulk European live audience.

In Melbourne, drivers complained about the light conditions, while a week later in Malaysia torrential evening rain left no time for a delayed race re-start.

But to the Independent newspaper, F1's Chief Executive said the twilight concept is here to stay.

"All our TV up to now has been up 300 percent," said Ecclestone.
"We have been getting more than 50 percent of the market share."

The concept was a compromise in the face of expensive floodlighting, however Ecclestone told the newspaper that Sepang is now to join Singapore as a night race.

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

 

I would argue that the ratings are up more as a result of the intense racing action so far this season as well as some of the biggest upsets in racing history, but that's just my $0.02.

 

Alex you and and I are diehards we will sacrifice to watch a race whenever it starts the majority of F1 fans won't

 

love night races

a 50 percent share? that seems really high

 

Potentially; hadn't thought of that yet.