In fact, the Albert Park event is already highly controversial within Victoria, with opponents baulking at the cost to taxpayers and even the government refusing to commit to a new contract beyond the existing 2015 deal. Ecclestone said recently: "We hope we're going to be in Melbourne forever, although we do get a bit of criticism and I don't know why." Suddenly, a trio of what the local Herald Sun newspaper described as F1 'heavyweights' are proposing a flootlit night-race format for the grand prix. 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton said he backs the idea to see Melbourne alternate normal daylight races with a floodlit race once every three years. "I'd like to see things vary because every year is the same," he said. Agreed Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo: "It sounds like a good compromise." And Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was also quoted as saying: "A night race in Melbourne, when you consider where the viewing figures are, could be interesting."
PaddockTalk Perspective
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