Australia still unsure of 2007 GP date

The Melbourne race moved from its traditional place as season-opener to third this year to accommodate the Commonwealth Games that were held in the city from March 15-26.

Australia, however, is expected to reclaim the first race of the 2007 season, although Grand Prix chairman Ron Walker says he is still unsure about the exact date.

"I've just been in Paris at the FIA meeting and it wasn't decided as of midnight last night," Walker told the Herald Sun.

"It could be March 2-4, 8-11 or 16-18."

The race, held at the Albert Park circuit, will be just a few kilometres away from world's best swimmers, with the FINA World Championship being held at the Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from March 17 to April 1.

Tourism and Major Events Minister John Pandazopoulos played down the clash of the two events.

"I don't think they'll conflict too much with each other but obviously we'll give FINA the opportunity to look at their schedule.

"Our objective has always been to be the first F1 event," Pandazopoulos said. "It's the one that gets the most attention. We had to go in and bat hard to get it back.

"Ron Walker and his GP team have spent a bit of time with (Bernie) Ecclestone and the FIA people on that, and we've made a solid bid as to why it should start here. We've got the runs on the board. We're consistently the best attended F1 event in the world."