Australian GP loses pole in 2008 F1 calendar

Just like in 2006, The Bahrain Grand Prix will be the opening round of the 2008 Formula One Championship. The Australian Grand Prix is scheduled as the second race on the calendar and it's believed that this is because the organisers refused to have a nightrace at Melbourne.

The Australian Grand prix at Albert Park is scheduled for March 13-16. The race hour has been changed to 3:30 pm local time (5:30 GMT) to attract more European viewers.

“The current Formula One season is one of the best ever,” Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Mr Ronald J Walker AC CBE said. “There are a number of teams and drivers in contention for the championship and we’ve witnessed the emergence of a new superstar in Lewis Hamilton.

Last night Australia’s Mark Webber won his first podium of the season with third place in the European Grand Prix. So we can look forward with great excitement to the 2008 race in Melbourne."

But in 2008, Melbourne will not host the opening GP, that honour is for Bahrain. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is not willing to host a night race. Mr Walker said about this topic: “Our investigations have convinced us that as things currently stand, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Instead, we have decided to run the F1 race later on Sunday, moving the start time from 2pm to 3.30pm. We need to ensure all of our partners are comfortable with this and we’re working through that process now.

Going later will benefit fans at Albert Park who will enjoy an even bigger day of entertainment and people watching the race live in other parts of the world…especially Europe where fans will be able to get up closer to breakfast time.”