Bernie Ecclestone has some big boasts to make about the controversial timing decisions for this year's opening long haul races. This year was the first time that the Grands Prix in Australia and Malaysia began at five o'clock in the afternoon, three hours later than their traditional start time. This was done so that they could be broadcast live in Europe in the early morning, rather than the middle of the night, and it seems to have served its purpose. "All our TV up to now has been up 300%," says Ecclestone adding "we have been getting more than 50% of the market share."

The later start time was a compromise after the Australian GP organiser objected to following the example set by Singapore last year and hosting a night race. The sticking point was the cost of floodlighting the circuit, however, Ecclestone also told Pitpass' business editor Chris Sylt that although this modification will cost the Malaysian circuit $16m, it will be the next night race on F1's calendar.

He dismisses speculation that construction of the Abu Dhabi circuit is not on track for its inaugural race in November this year. "It will be done on time," says Ecclestone adding that although F1 is increasingly moving eastwards, he cannot envisage a time without races in Europe since "it is a world championship," he insists.

Tell that to the United States, Canada and France... Bernie!