2019 season to start a week earlier

The Formula One has been confirmed to start a week earlier than normal in 2019, as the Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the season, will kick off in mid-March now.

That's what the officials at Albert Park, the circuit that hosts the Australian Grand Prix, have announced.  The first round will now take place on March 17th 2019 in Melbourne, but is still subject to ratification by the FIA. 

The reason behind the race starting early is because of other events that take place as well in Melbourne during the same period. The Australian Football League, for instance, starts as well during that period, and there are three festivals that are held in Melbourne throughout March which would otherwise clash with the Grand Prix.

“To announce the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2019 date more than eight months out from the event is fantastic news and we hope this will encourage overseas and interstate visitors to plan for a lengthy visit to Melbourne and Victoria,” the Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew told Crash.net.

“The start of an F1 season, our Aussie superstar Daniel Ricciardo, a Supercars Championship round and so much off-track action – it’s a must-attend event in 2019!”

One wrinkle that cannot be overlooked now is Fernando Alonso, who, should he stay in the F1 at least, will have two events that clash. The 1,000 of Sebring also take place that weekend, which is an event in the World Endurance Championship that he and his team Toyota will be attending. Which one will he choose? Or will Alonso be out of the F1 by then?