The Hindu : Sport / Racing : Motor : Glare causes headache for drivers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 28, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Sport

Sport - Racing : Motor

Glare causes headache for drivers

MELBOURNE: The switch to a twilight start at the Australian Grand Prix may suit European television viewers, but is less than ideal for Formula One drivers.

Friday’s second practice session ran from 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time, in preparation for Sunday’s 5 p.m. race start, and drivers found difficulties with the setting sun over the Albert Park circuit.

“It was a little bit worse than practice one and last year because the sun is quite low at this time,” Renault’s Fernando Alonso said.

“It’s not a big problem, and hopefully it will be fine for everyone.

“There is no doubt its better for us at two o’clock in terms of visibility.”

Drivers can use special visors to suit the conditions, but Alonso said the visibility of cars in driver mirrors was also reduced.

The Australian GP start time was moved back to allow European fans to see the race at breakfast time. Local organizers baulked at requests that Melbourne be made into a night race to make its timing even more convenient for world fans.

The price of installing high-powered lighting on a track within a public park, used for racing only once a year, was prohibitive. However, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had not given up hope that Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker would bend on the issue.

“Let’s see how this twilight event goes,” Ecclestone said on local Fairfax radio. — AP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport