OCTOBER 2, 2000

Ecclestone vows to prevent television no-show in Australia

Formula One ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone has vowed to do everything possible to prevent Australian television broadcaster Channel 9 from not showing the Japanese and Malaysian Grands Prix live.

The broadcaster has said it will show delayed coverage of the two events - a similar move to ITV's United States Grand Prix policy - but Ecclestone is keen for the final two races of the season to be screen live worldwide.

Despite Australia and the two grands prix hosts being in similar time zones, Channel 9 want to delay the coverage to avoid a clash with regular day-time programs.

"I have chased Channel 9 but it does not seem to have made any difference," Ecclestone said. "You can be assured that we are not sleeping on this.

"I am sorry for the manner in which Formula One supporters are being treated. They are worth more than that."