Feb.11 (GMM) Mark Webber has urged Australians to fight to retain their grand prix.

The Melbourne race is currently in serious doubt beyond 2010, with organisers of the Albert Park event unwilling to meet Bernie Ecclestone's demand for the grand prix to be held under lights.

31-year-old Webber, Australia's only current formula one driver, told the local Herald Sun newspaper that race bosses should consider the night race option.

"We should try to make night work. It could be exactly what the event needs -- who knows?" the Red Bull driver said.

Webber was also quoted as telling Adelaide's Sunday Mail: "We should fight to have a night race."

But while insisting that F1 is crucial to Melbourne's international reputation, Webber can also see the sense in Ecclestone's hard line stance.

"You can't constantly keep having the same toys in the sand pit," he said.

"He's (Ecclestone) certainly got his head screwed on and he will do what is best for the sport," Webber added.