The Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne has undergone a scheduling shake-up for 2016 that will see the race start later in the year and earlier in the day.

The Albert Park race, which was held on March 15 this year, will maintain its traditional opening slot on the Formula One calendar but will be pushed back to run from March 31 to April 3 as part of next year's condensed season.

In a strange twist, the first three days of the event, including the qualifying races, will take place before daylight savings ends, while Sunday's big race will run after the clocks in Victoria have been wound back.

The revised date has been welcomed by Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott.

"Over the past 20 years Melbourne has become synonymous with the start of a new Formula One season, and we look forward to again welcoming all the teams and drivers to our great city in 2016," Westacott said.

"The new date will see an earlier start time, and fans can expect the same great on-track action and off-track entertainment across the four days."

The full 2016 Formula One calendar has not yet been released.

AAP