Williams pair question dusk racing

Williams drivers Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima have questioned the logic of staging Formula One grands prix in twilight conditions.

Last Sunday's Australian Grand Prix started late in the afternoon, meaning a European audience could see the race live at breakfast time.

However Rosberg, who finished in sixth place, said: ‘In Melbourne I found this a big concern as towards the end of the race the visibility was very poor, which increased the danger in my view as it was more likely that you could make a mistake.

‘I'd rather the race changed back to its original start time or became a proper night race - that would improve matters a lot.’

Lighting issues would have to be addressed, although Singapore succeeded in staging a night grand prix last season.

Nakajima shared Rosberg's concern following the first event of the season, despite his race ending early.

The Japanese driver added: ‘It was difficult with the low sunlight in Australia, especially as the light flickered and changed under the tree cover.’

This weekend's Malaysian GP will also start later than usual, and the main concern for drivers in Sepang is likely to be rain rather than sun.

Nakajima told the Williams websire: ‘We won't have this type of shadow at Sepang, but there is a different issue which is the possibility of reduced light conditions mixed with the likelihood of rain. So for sure these late race start times will have a bearing on my approach to qualifying and the race.’