UPN has announced that critically-acclaimed drama Veronica Mars is to switch to Tuesday nights from April 11.

The move to a less competitive timeslot comes amid ongoing speculation that the show will not be renewed for next season by new broadcast network The CW.

Mars currently airs on Wednesdays at 9pm against ABC powerhouse Lost, FOX's American Idol and NBC's Law & Order.

Repeats of the Tuesday episode will continue in that slot for at least the next two weeks.

A decision on whether the show survives to a third season will be announced when the network confirms its new Fall schedule in May.