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European races will start one hour later than previous years, according to Ziggo Sports commentator Olav Mol. While the formation lap used to get underway at 1 PM local time, it is now reported that Liberty Media has pushed start times so the Grands Prix will begin at 2 PM.
It is believed that the later start time will attract a larger viewing audience. Liberty Media's ideas were presented to broadcasters this week, which included such matters as the new starting time. It is also rumoured that Liberty is keen on races starting 10 minutes past the hour.
Bahrain is also set to become a full night race rather than start at twilight. In 2014, it went under the lights after previously been hosted during the day since its inception in 2004. Other ideas presented included different camera angles and static cameras to make the cars look faster and improved engine sound from repositioned on-board microphones, according to the BBC.
FOM will announce the final schedule with confirmed starting times next week. Liberty is also contemplating playing a soundtrack of music at occasional parts of the race, as well as a highlights reel to play at regular intervals during the live broadcast.
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
JoeGreen84
Posts: 30
Are they intentionally trying to make the coverage terrible to watch so people turn off? Seriously music over certain parts of the race will ruin it even more, highlight reel is a utterly terrible idea.
And how about instead of making the cars LOOK faster and sound better, MAKE THEM FASTER and LO... [Read more]