In this March 17, 2019 photo, Mercedes' Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas drives during the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. (WILLIAM WEST / AFP)

SYDNEY - Melbourne will retain its season-opening status for the Formula One World Championship provisional calendar, with the first race of the 2021 season scheduled to be held at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 21 of next year.

Melbourne started to hold the Australian Grand Prix since 1996 and long served as the season's curtain-raiser

According to a press release from the Australian Grand Prix Corporation on Tuesday evening, the event dates, planned for March 18 to March 21, are set to be formally ratified by the Federation Internationale de Automobile (FIA) in coming weeks.

"We are excited to announce our 2021 provisional calendar and delighted we will be starting our season with our long-term partners in Melbourne. Andrew Westacott and his team do an incredible job and we know the season opener at Albert Park will be one that fans can safely enjoy after an unprecedented 2020," Chairman and CEO of F1 Chase Carey said in the press release.

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Melbourne started to hold the Australian Grand Prix since 1996 and long served as the season's curtain-raiser. The 2020 Australian Grand Prix however was cancelled after a member of the McLaren Racing team tested positive for COVID-19 which prompted the team to pull out of the event.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott was confident that the massive parkland venue will help organizer create a COVID-safe venue, saying they will continue to work closely with health authorities and the Victorian government to develop plans for fan attendance.

"We're adopting a sensible, adaptable and flexible approach, ensuring that a safe environment for fans and participants is our top priority," he said.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman Paul Little said major events like the Grand Prix will also play a vital role in stimulating local economic recovery.

The 2018 Australian Grand Prix attracted an attendance of about 295,000, according to the F1.