Melbourne gears up for world’s first Twilight Grand Prix

Melbourne

A brand new race schedule for the 2009 FORMULA 1™ ING Australian Grand Prix which will see on-track activity start at lunchtime and finish at sunset across all four days. The world’s first “twilight" Grand Prix will start in Melbourne at 5:00pm (AEDST) on Sunday, 29 March.

In order that Formula One practice and qualifying sessions occur at approximately the same time and under the same conditions as the race itself, on-track action will now commence and conclude later across the entire Grand Prix festival.

Friday practice sessions will take place between 12:30pm – 2:00pm and 4:30pm – 6:00pm.

Saturday practice will occur from 2:00pm – 3:00pm, with qualifying now starting at the later time of 5:00pm.

Drew Ward, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, believes the change to F1 timings will allow the track activity on each day to end on a high note.

“Sunday has always ended with the feature race of the weekend – the Formula One battle," Mr. Ward said.

“In 2009 we are ensure that the racing on Friday and Saturday finishes on a similar peak. The on-track activity on these days will build towards an electrifying climax, with the best and most exciting racing at the end of the day."