The Australian Grand Prix has been moved to November 21, officials announced on Tuesday.

The Melbourne race was set to open the Formula One season on March 21 but was postponed because of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions.

The new season will now get underway in Bahrain on March 28.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said the postponement was a sensible decision and would mean more Victorians, as well as potentially interstate and overseas fans, could enjoy the spectacle of a late-season Formula 1 race just over two weeks after the running of the Melbourne Cup.

“This is the right decision and we thank Formula 1 management for their co- operation in setting a new schedule for the 2021 season,” said Pakula.

“The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is one of the great events in the world and we’ll make sure it can be run safely and successfully in November.”

“It has been a busy start to the year at Formula 1 and we are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

“The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return and we have the experience and plans in place to deliver on our season.

“It is great news that we have already been able to agree a rescheduled date for the Australian Grand Prix in November and are continuing to work with our Chinese colleagues to find a solution to race there in 2021 if something changes.

“We are very excited to announce that Imola will return for the 2021 season and know our fans will be looking forward to the return of Formula 1 after the winter break and our revised season opener in Bahrain.

“Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021.”

REVISED 2021 CALENDAR:

• 28 March – Bahrain (Sakhir)
• 18 April - Italy (Imola*)
• 2 May - TBC
• 9 May – Spain (Barcelona)
• 23 May – Monaco (Monaco)
• 6 June – Azerbaijan (Baku)
• 13 June – Canada (Montreal)
• 27 June – France (Le Castellet)
• 4 July – Austria (Spielberg)
• 18 July – United Kingdom (Silverstone)
• 1 August – Hungary (Budapest)
• 29 August – Belgium (Spa)
• 5 September – Netherlands (Zandvoort)
• 12 September – Italy (Monza)
• 26 September – Russia (Sochi)
• 3 October – Singapore (Singapore)
• 10 October – Japan (Suzuka)
• 24 October – USA (Austin)
• 31 October – Mexico (Mexico City)
• 7 November – Brazil (Sao Paulo)
• 21 November - Australia (Melbourne*)
• 5 December - Saudi Arabia (Jeddah**)
• 12 December - Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)