The 2016 season opening race in Australia has been moved forward following a reshuffle of the calendar, according to the organisers of the Melbourne race.
Originally scheduled for April 3rd, as part of an initiative to reduce long gaps between certain races, it will now take place two weeks earlier on March 20th.
A change was expected after F1 personnel complained that a shorter summer break would see them overworked, particularly with the addition of Azerbaijan, which brings the calendar to a record breaking 21 races.
A statement on the Australian GP website confirmed the change: “The date for the 2016 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix has changed to 17-20 March.
“The change of the date is part of a number of changes on a provisional calendar issued by the World Motor Sport Council.
“The race will remain the first race of the Formula 1 season.”
A confirmed calendar is due to be released this week following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council today in Paris.
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