The Australian Grand Prix will give up its high-profile slot as Formula One's season-opening race next year to avoid a clash with the Commonwealth Games.However promoter Ron Walker said Melbourne, which has a contract to host the race until 2010, would be reinstated in its familiar position from 2007.
"I can categorically tell you, without any hesitation, that the Grand Prix will not be in March," said Walker, who is both chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and the Melbourne 2006 organising committee, on Wednesday.
"We're only going to lose it for a moment in time.
"I can't rely on builders to clean up Albert Park in time and I'm not confident there's enough disposable money in the marketplace for two events at one time."
The Commonwealth Games take place in Melbourne from 15-26 March 2006.
Melbourne celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sunday as Formula One's first race. From 1985 to 1995, Adelaide hosted the final grand prix on the calendar.
Next year's Australian race is expected to be the third round of the season, slotting in after Malaysia and Bahrain on what could be a 20 race calendar.
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