Melbourne Grand Prix 2019: F1 changes dates to dodge AFL
THE timing of next year’s Melbourne Grand Prix will be changed. And it is all about trying to avoid a clash with the AFL. Here’s the new dates.
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THE Melbourne Grand Prix will be fast-tracked by a week to avoid a clash with the opening round of next year’s AFL season.
In a dramatic change of gears, Formula One chiefs have agreed to stage the event in mid-March so sports fans won’t have to choose between cheering for their team or for Aussie F1 star Daniel Ricciardo.
The Herald Sun can reveal next year’s Australian Grand Prix will be run at Albert Park on March 14–17, putting clear air between it and the start of the AFL season.
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The AFL is yet to finalise its fixture but it is understood the first round will begin the Thursday after the Grand Prix weekend.
For the past two years race organisers have tried to draw crowds in competition with AFL matches.
It is believed F1 management heeded the advice of Australian race chiefs to change the calendar in a bid to boost crowds and TV ratings.
“Fans can cheer on Daniel Ricciardo at Albert Park and then their favourite footy team a week later in round one,’’ Australian Grand Prix chief Andrew Westacott said.
Melbourne’s will again be the first Grand Prix of the season, drawing the eyes of the world to Victoria.
And it will headline a mega-March of events including Moomba, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Melbourne GP bosses have been calling for the race to be separated from the AFL since US owners Liberty Media took over the global sport in 2016.
In his first season in charge, Formula One Group chief executive and executive chairman Chase Carey noted the dilemma Melbourne faced hosting the Grand Prix amid the excitement of the AFL opening round.
Mr Westacott said announcing next year’s race dates more than eight months out should encourage overseas and interstate visitors.
“This provides a real opportunity for sport lovers to experience this great international event for the first time,’’ he said.
Tourism and Major Events Minister John Eren said running the race on a stand-alone weekend would be more attractive to fans.
The Grand Prix dates are to be formally ratified by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile at a World Motor Sport Council meeting later this year, but have been rubber-stamped by F1 and Aussie GP chiefs.
It is believed that AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan was consulted on the change.
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