After staying adamant about the fact that they will not host a night race in 2008, it has been announced that the Australian Grand Prix has now lost its place as the season opener on the 2008 calendar with the Bahrain Grand prix set to take its place instead, relegating the Melbourne Park event to second on the agenda as a result of their firm position on the matter of a night race.

While agreeing to put the race start back by an hour an hour and half to make it a little more acceptable to European viewers, a courtesy that is not bestowed on Australian viewers when it comes to the European events or more so the American races, it appears as if this wont appease FOM boss Bernie Ecclestone enough and as such he will try adding the pressure by taking what Australia prides the most, playing host to the season opener.

However, that won’t dissuade the GP bosses who claim that they won’t entertain the prospect in the future either…

“Taking all factors into account, this is the best option for our event and the people who support it," GP boss Ron Walker said. "Our investigations have convinced us that as things currently stand, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages."

At this stage the Australian GP is scheduled to take place on March 16 2008.