Melbourne confirms new date for 2016 season opener
Earlier, we reported that despite Melbourne already selling tickets for an early April season opener next year, Bernie Ecclestone has re-shaped the provisional calendar to reinstate a full four-week mid-season summer break.
"We'll conduct the race on whatever date suits the requirements of the global F1 calendar except Easter (March 27). Otherwise, we're open-minded," Australian grand prix corporation (AGPC) chief Andrew Westacott said.
That date is March 20, two weeks earlier than planned.
"The change of the date is part of a number of changes on a provisional calendar issued by the World Motor Sport Council," the AGPC announced in a statement.
"The race will remain the first race of the formula one season, where all eyes will be on Melbourne!"