Australian GP sticks to 5pm start

The Australian Grand Prix will stick to its 5pm start time this season, despite the FIA having considered last year that it would bring the race forward because conditions were too dark for the 2010 race

A number of drivers complained to the governing body after the Melbourne race last year about poor visibility during the early evening running, and the FIA's own light tests had indicated that it was below safety limits laid down for night races.

Those factors made it likely that the start time would be moved forward to avoid any problems this year, but the FIA confirmed on Friday that the race will begin at the same 5pm slot.

Michael Schumacher was one of many drivers who said that light conditions were not acceptable last year.

"I think somebody else decides whether we run at four or five or whatever time of the year. I just know that in Australia it was certainly over the limit," he said last year. "By the end of the race it was certainly too dark and I understand the FIA has measured this and will take action for next year.

"But at least there seem to be some guidelines now as to what light conditions you have to have as a minimum for the future."

The FIA also announced that the Malaysian Grand Prix will keep its 4pm start time, while the timetable for the Indian Grand Prix has not yet been decided.