Following the renewal of the formula one race from 2016-20, Australian Grand Prix and V8 officials are stepping up efforts to make the V8 races part of the 2015 title series in anticipation of a longer agreement.

But just as upgrading the V8s from their long-standing exhibition status is feasible because they are being shown on the same TV network as formula one from next year, continuing to race for championship points at Albert Park during the new agreement will depend on which network secures the formula one broadcast rights from 2016.

Next year’s Melbourne Grand Prix, scheduled as the formula one season opener from March 12-15, is the last of the Ten Network’s existing deal as well as the final race of the Victorian government’s current contract.

After eight years on Seven, V8 Supercars is switching to a split media rights agreement with Fox Sports and Ten in a $241 million deal from 2015-20.

With the future of the Melbourne Grand Prix secured, negotiations for a new five-year broadcast agreement from 2016 will enter the bidding stage soon.

Fairfax Media understands that preliminary talks with rights holder Formula One Management have already started, with Ten believed to be pitching for a renewal in a V8-style combined bid with Fox Sports.

Nine and Seven are also thought to have expressed interest in the formula one rights, especially with Daniel Ricciardo emerging as a future world title contender.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott, who described the next formula one broadcast rights as ‘‘a work in progress’’, confirmed that the event was working with V8 Supercars to run championship races at Albert Park.

‘‘There’s no impediment whatsoever to trying to make that happen,’’ Westacott said. ‘‘We’re desirous of it being a championship event for the V8s and I’m looking forward to (it happening in) 2015 with a very positive intent.

‘‘We’ve asked V8s to come up with ideas for race formats and scheduling, both of which have to fit in with F1’s strict requirements.’’ ‘‘Beyond that depends on a continuing alignment of the respective F1 and V8 broadcasters. But if the V8 races can remain a part of their championship, it would be a great thing, adding more weight to the event.’’ V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton also expressed a strong desire to add the Australian Grand Prix to next year’s championship calendar, which is due to be announced during the September 12-14 Sandown 500.

‘‘We are working hard with our broadcast partners Fox Sports and Ten on (including the Australian Grand Prix races in the championship) next year,’’ Warburton said. ‘‘There is the obvious link now in terms of domestic (TV) rights in 2015, but we need to see what happens for the F1 contract moving forward.

‘‘But we are very optimistic of racing for points (at Albert Park) next year.’’ V8 Supercars have staged the main supporting races in all but one year – 2006 – since the Australian Grand Prix moved from Adelaide to Melbourne in 1996.

But for most of that time clashing TV deals and, until recently, the lack of a dedicated pit lane and garages, meant the V8s could only contest non-title races at Albert Park.