Aussi GP to kick-off season in 2007

For the first time since 1996, the Formula One season wasn't kicked off in Australia but in Bahrain. In 2007, however, the FIA will return to the previous arrangement. Next year, Melbourne will again be the venue of the season opener.

The organisers of the Australian Grand Prix recently signed a new deal with Formula One Impressario Bernie Ecclestone. In this contract it was laid down that Melbourne will host the first round of the 2007 Formula One season. This year, the race 'Down under' was the third round, following the Bahrain and the Malaysian GP, with the Commonwealth Games, held from 15th to 26th March in Melbourne, having been the reason for the race's postponement.

Formula One has got a lot of Australian supporters: according to Ron Walker, the organiser of the Australian GP, the four-day event held at the 'Albert Park' attracted a total crowd of more than 300.000 visitors. For the time being, the race on the fifth continent has been the final overseas event. On 23rd April, Formula One is going to kick off its European season with the San Marino Grand Prix held at Imola.