Australian GP organizers disappointed by V6 sound in F1

The Australian Grand Prix was the first real opportunity to judge the noise of the new 6l turbo/hybrid V1.6 within a field of 22 single-seaters. If the F1 must be at the forefront of new technologies, the discipline receives many negative comments on the lack of noise compared to previous seasons where the V8 and hearing protection were required. Among those disappointed, the organizers of the race held in Melbourne have an important voice as Australia is currently negotiating the extension of its contract with F1 after 2015.

“I'm absolutely delighted with this weekend, but I wasn't really happy with the noise”, commented Ron Walker, President of the AGPC (Australian Grand Prix Organisation), in The Age. “We are trying to resolve this problem with Bernie (Ecclestone) because it does not respect the terms of the contract. I told him about it on Sunday because we didn't pay for it. He is horrified by this new sound. This will be a problem for all promoters. We are an entertainment company and we have to entertain the audience. This subject was on everyone's lips. We might have trouble selling tickets if there is no more entertainment. You have to create demand and part of that demand is the public's desire to hear the sound of racing cars. »

Discover the analysis of the Australian Grand Prix carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1952 of AUTOhebdo, available this evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.