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Domenicali and Westacott have discussed a night grand prix in Melbourne, and the Italian manager appears open to the idea.
“We’ve discussed about it. Why not? It’s a matter of investment,” he said.
“It could be attractive. When you’re planning for so long, you can really think what is the best to create new products. You never know.
“It would be important to understand the implications.”
But Westacott believed the Sunday afternoon grand prix fitted best in the lifestyle of Melburnians.
“Because of the attractiveness that each single city provides and contributes to the championship, Melbourne’s place as an afternoon race on a Sunday works beautifully. But you never say never in Formula 1,” he said.
Andrew Westacott (right) says he sees Albert Park as the long-term home for the grand prix in Victoria.Credit:Arsineh Houspian
Whether the Australian Grand Prix could return to opening the season remains a constant debate, with Domenicali saying he could continue to try and make the championship as efficient as possible, while he maintained his stance that he would love to one day see female drivers at Formula 1 level.
“I think it will take time, years,” he said.
“I would like to see it. I’m 58, I really hope we can do it.
“You need to invest in growing the quantity and interest in racing, and then in the quantity you have the talent to express herself in the right way.”
As for the venue, Westacott said he hoped Albert Park long remained the home of the grand prix in Victoria.
“The decision in the future is for others, but we’ve always been committed to Albert Park,” he said.
“It’s a destination city. We’re four kilometres from the CBD.
“The attraction is for new fans to come along because they can jump on a tram in our city and be at the circuit in 20 minutes to see something they’ve never experienced before, and when they experience it, they say, ‘I’m going to come back this year.’
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“Last year’s event did two things, I believe. It showed that Melbourne delivers on the global stage, which is important. You cannot ever rest on your laurels in Formula 1, whether you’re a team or a promoter or a partner.
“But it also showed the government the Victorian people love major events and when they’re delivered to the greatest standard, then they’re very, very good for the city.”
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