Two Australian Grand Prix Supercars support races get twilight slots

The full timetable for the season-opening F1 race weekend has been confirmed, and a pair of twilight Supercars races are the highlights on the support bill as the series competes for points at Albert Park for the first time.

The two 25-lap races will both be run in the evening, the first scheduled for 5:50pm local time (6:50am UK time) on the Friday, directly after the second F1 practice session, and the second at 6:20pm on Saturday, following F1 qualifying.

The shorter 13-lap races that form part of the Melbourne 400 event will take place at 12:40pm on Saturday and 1:45pm on Sunday, which leads up to the Australian Grand Prix.

"The twilight time slot works well for our television audience as well as fans at the track, who will get to see our first points races at Albert Park in perfect conditions," said acting Supercars CEO Shane Howard.

"To participate fully as a round of our championship in Melbourne with 400 kilometres of racing across three days, which includes pitstops, is a huge win for our fans, teams and our drivers.

"It is an honour to be alongside Formula 1 at Albert Park and as an official support category to the world's premiere form of motorsport."

The Australian Grand Prix will kick off at 4:10pm on Sunday March 25, as part of a general shake-up of weekend schedules.

It will follow Friday practice sessions at 12pm and 4pm on Friday, final practice at 2pm on Saturday, and qualifying at 5pm on Saturday.

Unlike previous years, Victoria will not be subjected to a time change during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, with Daylight Savings set to end the week after the race.

Race day is, however, the day the clocks go forward in both the UK and Europe.