Later start for Oz grand prix

Fears that the later 5pm start for next month's ING Australian Formula One Grand Prix - the first twilight F1 race - could mean bad news for those intending to watch the race on the box have been dismissed by telecaster, the Ten Network.

Ten will show the track action from Albert Park on both its regular channel and its new all-sports One channel.

Friday's activities go out live between noon and 7pm on the One high def channel.

On Saturday, One will again be beaming live from the track between noon and 7pm, with Ten channel showing pictures from Albert Park between noon and 6pm.

On Sunday, March 29, One will have AGP race-day cover from noon through to 7.30pm while Ten will show the action from noon to 7pm.

Racing will start later and finish later over all four days of the grand prix carnival.

The Bernie Ecclestone-propelled later start time is expected to deliver greater TV audiences in the European and Asian markets, providing more exposure for the Australian race than ever before.

F1 drivers will get their first sampling of Albert Park in twilight conditions on Friday when the second practice session will run from 4:30 to 6pm. Saturday's qualifying session will run from 5 to 6pm.

The changes mean that on Thursday and Friday, the most anticipated action will happen after school and after work.

As a fitting overall conclusion to the event, British rock legends The Who will play their only Melbourne concert immediately after the Formula One race on Sunday. The post-race concert is included in the price of admission for all Sunday ticket holders.