F1 rival takes dive in Melbourne.
Australia was rumoured to have come close to losing its season-opening slot on the Formula One calendar for a second successive year but, having been granted a return to its traditional berth, has now seen a clashing event alter its schedule to accommodate the race.
Having clashed with the Commonwealth Games in 2006, a situation which saw Melbourne moved to the third date on the calendar, next year's Australian Grand Prix coincides with the World Swimming Championships - another event in which the locals will have a deep interest given the success of Australian swimmers.
Australia was rumoured to have come close to losing its season-opening slot on the Formula One calendar for a second successive year but, having been granted a return to its traditional berth, has now seen a clashing event alter its schedule to accommodate the race.
Having clashed with the Commonwealth Games in 2006, a situation which saw Melbourne moved to the third date on the calendar, next year's Australian Grand Prix coincides with the World Swimming Championships - another event in which the locals will have a deep interest given the success of Australian swimmers.
This time, however, the FIA decided to return Albert Park to the opening slot, and it is the opposition which has decided to make changes. The organisers said that they would review the aquatic schedule after the FIA announced its provisional calendar, and has now moved the diving competition back a day to avoid a clash with the grand prix. The event had been due to start on 18 March, race day for Formula One.
