Race boss rules out Melbourne night race

Australian grand prix boss Andrew Westacott has ruled out organising a Melbourne night race.

Recently, from the paddock of the final winter test in Barcelona, drivers Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo, and team boss Christian Horner, called on the Australian promoters to install floodlights so that the action can be held after dark in future.

Bernie Ecclestone has been pushing for it for years, because the season opener could be beamed live to the bulk European audience at a better hour.

But Westacott is quoted by Speed Week: "How are we going to do that?

"We are in the middle of a city park, not to mention the huge cost to set up the lighting. And it wouldn’t just be for the track, but for basically the entire park.

"It’s unthinkable," he added.