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[Munro]

"Obviously, the later it is the better. I suppose it is easier getting up in Europe at 6am than 3am," a half-satisfied F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone said last year.

Are we in the Asian time zones (largest viewer base) to expect the same treatment when it comes to the start of races in the Americas? Many a 2 or 3am wakeup to see those races live...

[darwin dali]

"Obviously, the later it is the better. I suppose it is easier getting up in Europe at 6am than 3am," a half-satisfied F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone said last year.

Are we in the Asian time zones (largest viewer base) to expect the same treatment when it comes to the start of races in the Americas? Many a 2 or 3am wakeup to see those races live...

Well, there's exactly ONE race in the Western hemisphere left at the moment. And the time shift is not based on the American, but on the European viewership, A start time of 2pm or so in the Americas translates to a 'convenient' 8pm in Europe. So I guess you're simply shi! out of luck for living at the other side of the world

[Munro]

Well obviously it suits the Euro audience, but since most of our local races are being pushed into the news timeslots - and hence most probably being delayed until after primetime - surely an across-the-board rescheduling of races to benefit the entire audience would be in order. Admittedly this side of the world is probably not high on the priority list, but a blatant one-finger salute to us isn't really called for either.

[Gaz]

i've never had a problem getting up early on sat/sun morning there's a sense of occasion to it all.

and its repeated anyway so he's getting double the screen time for people who watch it in the morning then people who watch it in the afternoon repeat.

i can't see why the troll wants to persue this idea of everything must suit the european viewers.

[Munro]

The main worry for the working person here is that live televising of Euro races falls about 10 - 11pm Sunday, which is bearable... whereas American races (if any, depending on season) air at 2 - 3am on Monday, which is a bit of a farce. Surely there's some sort of middle ground which would benefit everyone.

[EwanM]

I don't mind getting up either for races in the Pacific/Asain sphere.
F1 is more European based, because that is where its roots lie. Those who run it are mainly European, the FIA is based in Europe, of course the Europeans are going to benefit.

[McLaren Fan]

It's unfortunate that some people are going to lose out in the United States etc., but Formula One relies on sponsors who invest their money based on largely viewing figures, so it's only natural things are going to be organised in favour of Europeans. In terms of Ecclestone's ideas about having night races, one is nice as a novelty, but I've no real desire to see any more and don't mind getting up early to watch certain races.

[bud]

f*** european tv viewers

[Dutchcruijff]

i've never had a problem getting up early on sat/sun morning there's a sense of occasion to it all.

I agree, I like waking up at 3 am just to catch the race. It adds to the atmosphere and you know that the F1 season has started.

[7UpJordan]

Getting up very early to watch a Grand Prix in Australia or Japan is a tradition amongst F1 fans. I still remember doing it for the first time in 96 to see Hill become Champion. You don't see Newcastle United fans moaning and grumbling about having to get up early to go see a match miles away to a team like Plymouth Argyle. You don't see them moving the match to 6pm just for the Newcastle fans (unless Sky Sports intervene ).

Bernie is also turning his back on American fans as well, they would be able to simply stay up later to watch it and have a lie-in the following morning, now they're going to have to get up at 3am.

[texasmr2]

I have gotten up at 3-4am quite a few times for a GP back in the '80's and I could not have cared less about what time it was, it is F1 baby! I remember once back in '84-'85 I had to get up at 3-4am for I believe the Japanese GP and was supposed to have an early lunch date that day also. Needless to say I cancelled the lunch date so I could sleep in after the race, she was persueing me not the other way around so I had all the power for once .

[Gaz]

f*** european tv viewers

pfft!

[darwin dali]

f*** european tv viewers

A bit harsh

[headless]

I like getting up at 3am in the UK.
Fickle Lewis Hamilton fans woint get up for the 3am races.
It better mot be changed.

[EwanM]

I like getting up at 3am in the UK.
Fickle Lewis Hamilton fans woint get up for the 3am races.
It better mot be changed.

100% right. Fair weather fans! The kind who see 2 F1 races because of Hamilton and then think they know everything about the sport. Typical.

I think getting up in the early hours for some races is a tradition with many a European F1 fan. From that perspective I enjoy it, also it can be cool watching it at night.
We all know my hatred for Night Races and how it's going to spread. The Only race let become another night race would be Valencia. I think it would be a great idea.
1. The track is dull and looked like a building site... maybe with lights it'll have more of a feel
2. The highest viewing figures for GPS were always Canada and Brazil because of their dinner time TV slot IN Europe. Imagine the Night Valencia Gp at say 7-8pm at Night (Uk Time) Think of the viewers that would bring in.