The 2019 season will start earlier in March

Event serving as the opening of the season Formula 1 since 1996, the Australian Grand Prix will be held in 2019 the weekend of March 16 and 17. Organizers announced the date on Monday, which is expected to be ratified by the world council of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in the coming weeks.

Fantastic news! The opening round of the 2019 @F1 season is set to be held in Melbourne on 14-17 March* #AusGP *Subject to final @fia approval. https://t.co/L78IYVX4K7

— Australian Grand Prix #AusGP (@ausgrandprix) July 2, 2018

The Australian Grand Prix, held at Albert Park in Melbourne, will take place a week earlier than in 2018. “This race has become one of Victoria's premier events, welcomes John Eren, Minister of Tourism for Victoria.

“By revealing the date of the Australian Grand Prix more than eight months in advance, we hope to encourage fans to prepare for their visit to Melbourne”, explains Andrew Westacott, director of the race organization.

This date could, however, present a conflict of dates between the WEC and F1, 1000 miles of Sebring taking place from March 13 to 15, the day of the first free practices in Melbourne. Fernando Alonso competing in the WEC Super-Season with Toyota, the Spaniard could be forced to choose.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Austrian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Spielberg, in issue 2172 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.