Posted 26 September 2008 - 15:32
Q & A with Bernie Ecclestone
By Jonathan Noble Friday, September 26th 2008, 11:07 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone's vision for a night race will be realised this weekend when Singapore hosts its first grand prix.
Ecclestone is delighted with what he has seen in Singapore so far, and paid an impromptu visit to the media centre before first practice got underway in the evening.
Autosport.com spoke to Ecclestone as he revealed to a few journalists his thoughts on the weekend - before some characteristic cheeky responses to questions about the rain, next year's summer break and the future of the Delhi GP.
Q. Bernie, are you worried about the prospects of rain here?
Bernie Ecclestone: No. I've got an umbrella, so no drama.
Q. Are night races the future for Formula One?
BE: No. Only where it is necessary in this part of the world, for sure.
Q. Mario Theissen says this race will be the highlight of the year. Do you agree?
BE: Let's wait and see. Afterwards is better to say these things, rather than before.
Q. Are you excited to see cars running?
BE: Yeah, I think it will be good. I am anxious to see what it looks like on television. That is what we have done before, so let's hope it works.
Q. Is the summer break coming back into next year's calendar?
BE: Why is that?
Q. Well, the teams are after a three-week break in the calendar?
BE: Are you going away or something?
Q. I hope so. Is there any movement on this front?
BE: It is jerky, any movement. It is a very jerky movement.
Q. So it is going to happen?
BE: I don't know. Let's have a look.
Q. Well, is Turkey going to move?
BE: I've no idea. Move where, move to Iraq?
Q. No to Europe would be better...
BE: It's half Europe and half outside.
Q. Do you want a summer break next year?
BE: No.
Q. You don't want a holiday then?
BE: I just don't go to the races, that is all...No seriously, I am going to do something. We will do something. I don't know what I am going to do.
Q. Have you driven around the circuit here?
BE: No. I am going in a minute.
Q. Sorry if I missed it, but is there an update on what is happening with Delhi?
BE: Sorry, you missed what?
Q. I came into this a bit late?
BE: Came into where?
Q. Into the conversation.
BE: We haven't spoken about Delhi, so you haven't missed anything.
Q. So, are there any updates there?
BE: It is all going on as usual, these things take time.
Q. So will it be 2010?
BE: 2011 is what I want.
Q. Is the night race a dream for you?
BE: Yes. I think this is going to be good.
Q. And what is your next dream?
BE: I mustn't tell you. My wife will go mad.