Australia to host opening Formula 1 race until 2020

Australian Grand Prix officials have confirmed that Albert Park Street Circuit in Melbourne will host the first round of the Formula 1 season until at least 2020.

Since the move to Melbourne in 1996, the track has kick-started the campaign every year apart from 2006 and 2010, when Bahrain took the honours.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott claims that he ensured the contract stipulated that they would remain first on the calender.

"We have clauses in there about [being] the first race of the season," Westacott told Fairfax Media.

"The requirement that it be the first race is maintained. It works beautifully for Melbourne and Victoria that it's at the start of the season – and that's not going to change."

Westacott also ruled out the possibility of the race being held at night, as the contract includes no artificial light being used.