2016 Melbourne F1 Grand Prix date delayed

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The 2016 Formula One season will start in Melbourne in April in what is set to be a condensed campaign.

For just the second time in the history of the Australian Grand Prix, the season opener will be held in April – the previous occasion was in 2006.

In that year, it was the third race on the calendar to avoid a clash with the Commonwealth Games.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott welcomed the April 3 date, and an earlier start time.

"It's fantastic that Melbourne will again play host to the opening round of the FIA Formula One World Championship," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Over the past 20 years Melbourne has become synonymous with the start of a new Formula One season, and we look forward to again welcoming all the teams and drivers to our great city in 2016.

"The new date will see an earlier start time, and fans can expect the same great on-track action and off-track entertainment across the four days."

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