Bernie couldn't have asked for more.
He pushed the race an hour back and it paid off with rain at both ends of the race which lead to the rollercoaster ride it was.

Does anyone have any rating figures?

Give it to about the middle of the week.

I thought the race seemed later this year than last.

Yes it was 1 hour later.

English ITV ratings.

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2008/11...5m_to_itv1.html

16:00 - F1: Brazilian Grand Prix Live - 8.8m (41.7%)
*Peak: 12.5m (48.8%) at 18:45.
*238% above channel slot average of 2.6m (16.6%)
*Highest ever Formula One race broadcast on ITV.
*Started with 3.9m (25.9%) at 16:00.
*8.8m (43.1%) were watching at 17:00.
*10m (45.8%) were watching at 17:30.

ITV might be regretting getting rid of it.

One race isn't enough though.