Australian GP Will Not Change Race Start Time Regardless Of The Safety Recommendation From FIA Following Jules Bianchi Suzuka Crash

FIA President Jean Todt attends a press briefing regarding Japanese Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit on October 10, 2014. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

A great deal of criticism has been thrown around since Jules Bianchi's crash in the Suzuka circuit at the Japanese Grand Prix in October. A panel of experts has been formed to investigate what happened in the catastrophic accident and proposed new safety measures such as starting the race earlier to prevent the same from happening in the future. With the Formula One, or F1, season set to kick off in Australia on March 16, the Australian Grand Prix organisers are resolute that they will not change the race start time despite FIA's proposal.

According to a report by the Herald Sun, race organisers have received a request to start the race at least four hours back, which would mean lower TV ratings from the European audience. However, Australian Grand Prix Chief Executive Andrew Westacott has confirmed that they will hold on to the 5:00 p.m. start time.

"The race time will remain at 5pm as per agreement with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Formula One management," Westacott was quoted saying. "Which means Melbourne as the the opening race of the season, airs in Asia at lunchtime and Europe at breakfast."

With new drivers lined-up for McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Sauber as well as in Scuderia Toro Rosso after the signing of 17-year-old Belgian-Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen, all eyes will be on the Australian Grand Prix. In 2013, Melbourne has reportedly signed a five-year contract extension to host F1 race until 2020.

2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

March 15: Australian Grand Prix

March 29: Malaysia Grand Prix

April 12: Chinese Grand Prix

April 19: Bahrain Grand Prix

May 10: Spanish Grand Prix

May 24: Monaco Grand Prix

June 7: Canadian Grand Prix

June 21: Austrian Grand Prix

July 5: British Grand Prix

July 19: German Grand Prix

July 26: Hungarian Grand Prix