Steve Rider introduces coverage of round one of the 2008 Formula One World Championship - the Australian Grand Prix.

The season starts with 58 laps of the spectacular Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. After a winter of speculation, which team and driver will emerge with the early season pace? New driver pairings and changes to the technical regulations promise to add extra excitement.

After a sensational debut last year, Lewis Hamilton heads the McLaren team’s charge against Ferrari’s reigning champion, Kimi Raikkonen. Narrowly missing out on clinching the world title, the young Brit's success drove ITV's viewing figures to their highest level since 2001, with almost 11 million watching the final race in Brazil.

Steve is joined by Mark Blundell, with commentary from James Allen and Martin Brundle, while Ted Kravitz and Louise Goodman report from around the circuit.

Sunday 16 March 2008 3:30am - 6:30am on ITV1.

Please note: The Grand Prix will be re-run at 3pm on Sunday 16 March, with highlights at quarter past midnight.