Melbourne’s Formula 1 circuit in Albert Park is undergoing major overhauls ahead of the return of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix later this year.
In what has been described as the biggest change to the road route since the GP moved from Australia to Melbourne in 1996, five corners are modified and two completely removed to deliver what the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) is for faster and more competitive keeps racing.
Changes should offer more overtaking opportunities and thus more exciting races.
The changes start at Turn 1, widening the inside edge of the corner by 2.5 meters. In turn 3, the curve is widened by 3.5 meters on the inside, a camber setting is also made here. In turn 6, the inside edge of the corner is widened by 7.5 meters.
The biggest change concerns the Turn 9-Turn10 chicane, which has been removed to allow a smoother and faster entry into the back straight and possibly to allow the inclusion of a fourth DRS zone.
At turn 13, the inside edge has also been widened, this time by 3 meters, but the angle of this curve has been tightened and the camber adjusted. Curve 15 is given a similar widening of 3.5 meters and a camber setting.
Finally, the pit lane will be widened by 2 meters and the entire route will be asphalted again.
The changed layout has only a minor influence on the lap distance (reduced by less than 30 meters). However, the combined changes cut lap times by 5 seconds and increase top speed by 15 km / h, including a potential maximum of 330 km / h back straight. The greatest speed change on a maintained curve occurs in curve 6 from 149 km / h to 219 km / h. More importantly for dynamic racing, the camber adjustments allow for multiple racing lines for greater opportunities for overtaking.
Outside the circuit, the changes will improve parking space, on-street parking, and new locations for corporate suites and grandstands.
“These track modifications mean faster races with lots of new opportunities for drivers to compete. In November, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix will be back and better than ever,” said Andrew Westacott, CEO of AGPC .
McLaren F1’s Daniel Ricciardo added, “M.If we make race days more exciting for everyone, that’s what we all want and I think these changes are going in the direction we want. Better races, more battles – the changes will make us do it. “
While the date for the 2021 Formula 1 Grand Prix in Australia is still set for November 18th to 20th, tickets still have to be sold due to the COVID uncertainties. Only expressions of interest are available on the event website.
Go to: grandprix.com.au for updates.
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