Australian Grand Prix chief executive Andrew Westacott has said that he and the Albert Park track are preparing to receive a boost in crowd numbers and media attention, now they have been bumped up to opening the 2011 season.
The cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix due to the ongoing political troubles in the country means that the Australian Grand Prix will be the opening race of the F1 season for the first time since 2009.But Westacott said that he and the Albert Park venue were ready and willing to take on the responsibility for kicking off the new season, despite the extra pressure that will now be applied to the race.
"It's terribly sad for Bahrain and I can empathise with them from an organisers perspective, but from a Melbourne point of view it's all systems go for [the race]," he was quoted as saying by the Brisbane Times.
He added: "There is added work - being the first race of the season - because of the extra attendance from the international media and broader numbers of team members who attend the first race."
The race will remain at their new 5pm evening slot for the 2011 season, in order to help to maximise exposure of the race in the European market, and Westacott said that it was "very exciting" to be back as a season opener.
"It's a 5pm race slot and we're broadcasting into Europe from 8am or 9am on a Sunday morning, which is great from a branding and tourist point of view," he bragged about the race.
"Daylight savings allows for a more convenient viewing time within European and Asian markets."
But he said that for the future, the Australian race remained committed to their end of March date, meaning that it would likely be a temporary return to the season-opening spot.
"Being the first race is very exciting and a great honour, but the last weekend in March will remain our preferred date," Westacott explained patiently.
The cancellation of the Bahrain race, which F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has hinted may return later in the season, was welcomed by Formula One teams and drivers, and Australian fanboy target Mark Webber said that he was looking forward to kicking off the season with his home race.
"It's a sensational event and and we're in good shape as a team so I hope to go there and have a very good result of course," Webber said on Monday.
He added: "A lot to answer going into the first grand prix of course. Another test still to go, depending on what happens to the testing, but I assume there will be one more test. First race there [in Melbourne], back to the good old days."
The long-term future of the Australian Grand Prix remains less positive, however, with a local Melbourne MP becoming the latest political figure to suggest that the Albert Park venue should ditch the race when the current deal expires in 2015.
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