Melbourne had 'fight' to win back opener

The event moved off its traditional slot this season, to avoid a clash with the Commonwealth Games, and there had been suggestions it would lose the opener because of the success of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

But after weeks of talks with Formula One chiefs, Walker has succeeded in getting Melbourne moved back to start the season.

"In Paris a few days ago there was huge competition from other countries for the start of the Grand Prix (season)," Walker was quoted as saying by the Melbourne Age newspaper.

"We haven't been idle, with all the things that we do in this state you just can't sit back and wait for somebody to give you a free kick.

"We had to go out and make sure we did not miss any meetings in Paris or London and be up there with all the best because all the other countries that have Formula One races regard this as a great prize."

The March 15-18 date will see the Australian Grand Prix clash with the World Swimming Championships - but there are few concerns about logistical problems in Melbourne.

Victorian Tourism minister John Pandazopoulos said the two events could happily operate alongside each other.

"I think that both events can work well. The diving event I think has 3000 tickets available for sale, an important event but not a huge impact on the GP circuit," he said.

The timing of some of the swimming events would likely be moved to avoid clashing with F1 track activity.

Swimming world championships chief executive Lynne Bates said: "Obviously there will be a shared arrangement between the Grand Prix and Melbourne 2007.

"We'll be looking after the athletes, making sure they'll be able to get into their competition and obviously the spectators. Now that we've got the dates confirmed they're some of the logistics that we need to work through.

"We'll be taking the issue to FINA (world swimming's governing body) and we'll speak with them regarding the schedule for diving on that day.

"We need to look at what times and when those cars go around and what other noises and impacts there will be."