“We have other races ready to take the place of Australia, which we don’t
want to happen.
“But it would be wrong of me to have to report to our board, ‘Terribly
sorry about this but we have to walk away from wherever to retain Australia’.”
Ecclestone’s posturing could be the final straw for Melbourne in particular as
city officials have long complained about the financial losses incurred in
recent years.
Given the additional costs required to install lighting, such as that
currently used in Singapore, it is likely that would be too much for
taxpayers to absorb.
On a positive note for Australian Formula One fans, Ecclestone has backed Mark
Webber as the driver posing the biggest threat to Sebastian Vettel this
season.
I just hope, I really, really, genuinely hope that Mark has a good crack at
the title this year because it would be nice to see,” Ecclestone added.
“I even think perhaps, in a funny way, Sebastien would be happy as well
if he won the title – provided he couldn’t.
“I think Mark will be the guy who will threaten him if anybody. The last
time I spoke to him about it … he’s really motivated now. I think he
realises. I said to him, ‘Sebastien is quick. You’ve got to be quicker. Keep
your head down and don’t make mistakes you could manage to get the job done’.”