Ecclestone Moves 2016 F1 Season Opener to March, Drops April Start
Bernie Ecclestone has shifted the 2016 Formula One season opener in Melbourne from April to 20 March, avoiding a compressed schedule and restoring a longer summer break.
Bernie Ecclestone has moved the 2016 Formula One season opener in Melbourne from its planned 3 April date to 20 March, reshaping the calendar to avoid a compressed and contentious schedule. The change, which surfaced on 28 September 2015, follows behind-the-scenes discussions after the provisional calendar drew criticism for its shortened summer break and the addition of Azerbaijan, which would have pushed the season to a record 21 races.
The original plan would have started the season in April for the first time in decades, forcing a tighter run of races and potentially shortening the traditional August break. Teams had raised concerns about the impact of a condensed calendar, including the possibility of a triple-header and a championship running into December. Ecclestone’s revision restores a more familiar rhythm, with winter testing now expected to move forward by two weeks to accommodate the earlier start.
Bahrain will now occupy the 3 April slot originally assigned to Australia, while Abu Dhabi remains as the season finale nearly eight months later. The revised schedule must still be ratified by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, which is due to meet in Paris on Wednesday. Until then, ticket sales and team preparations will hinge on the final approval of these dates.
Implications for teams and fans
By reverting to a March start, Ecclestone has avoided several unpopular compromises. Teams will retain a longer summer break, and the risk of an exhausting triple-header has been removed. For fans, the season will begin at a more customary time, with Melbourne once again leading off the championship. The move also gives teams additional breathing space to prepare for the expanded calendar, which will still feature 21 races including the debut of Azerbaijan.
