Melbourne will stage another ’twilight’ grand prix this year.
The 2010 edition at Albert Park was criticised by drivers who said fading light towards the end was dangerous.
But Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker had denied reports that the drivers had lobbied successfully for an earlier race start, while Bernie Ecclestone favoured the twilight concept for European television viewers.
"It (the 5pm start) is clearly not dangerous," said Walker. "You can’t please these drivers, they are a bunch of lazy people who won’t do anything to help the sport."
The FIA announced on Friday that the 2011 race on 27 March will start at 1700.
Meanwhile, a race start time for the inaugural Indian grand prix in October has not yet been set.