Track Focus: Albert Park Circuit
So, here it is, the long awaited first race of the season! If you are reading this, props to you, you've made it through the winter break! Articles like this will be written before every race this season.
Once again the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia will be the destination for the season opener. This 5.303 km (3.296 mi) street circuit has been a part of the F1 calendar since the inaugural race in 1996. However, in the early years of Grand Prix racing when the likes of Sir Stirling Moss were dominating the sport, the Albert Park Circuit had a distinct place on the calendar, with a very different, faster flowing layout in place. The existing layout compromises of 16 corners all woven together circling the Albert Park Lake. The track is considered an easy one to tackle compared with other circuits on the calendar, meaning it is the perfect place for drivers and teams to get used to the handling of their new machine without being overwhelmed by the skill needed to drive and set up a car elsewhere. The Australian Grand Prix remains one of the most thrilling races, despite overtaking opportunities being lackluster and spectating being average for visitors.
The circuit is prepared a whopping 2 months in advance to the Grand Prix and is dismantled in around 6 weeks. Although this may seem a long time, it is done as quickly as possible the park remains a focal part of Melbourne lifestyle as it is situated close to the downtown core and contains the main leisure facilities in the entire city.
And now for everyone's favourite part... the track analysis!
Drivers are faced with a challenging Turn 1/2 complex after racing down the pit straight and first DRS zone. The track darts right, immediately sweeping round left meaning drivers take this like a shallow chicane. This brings you out onto the second DRS straight. A quick run into a tight Turn 3, brings drivers into what is normally the car park for the nearby Lakeside Stadium, but is instead a 90 degree left hander, known for high kerbing on exit. The track then dives into a slight kink at Turn 5 before the drivers brake heavily into Turn 6, consequently shooting out onto a sweeping right-handed curve. The curve brings drivers back out into the open where the track follows a similar arrangement to Turn 1/2. The track gently curves to the left before drivers are approached with arguably the hardest complex of the circuit. The track kinks left and then right, allowing the bravest pilots to carry considerable speed, but yet does not allow them the go flat out. The last sector of the circuit is built up of two 90 degree right handers, a sharp left hander and an almost flat out final corner.
Over the years, the track has been praised for its smooth surface and extensive run-offs, which most street circuits lack. Albert Park has a deal with the FOM to host races here until 2020. I'm not complaining though, the vibe at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne is like no other.
I hope you enjoyed this quick briefing on the Albert Park Circuit, stay tuned for more "Track Focus" ahead of each Grand Prix Weekend. Enjoy the action in Australia!
