Formula 1 returns to Melbourne three years after the last race, with the 2020 Australian GP looking like it was going to go ahead until the very last minute when everything collapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The teams and drivers made the journey to Albert Park and everything was ready to go. However, just minutes before the start of the first free practice session, the entire event was cancelled.
Now, two years on, the Formula 1 circus returns to Albert Park, and after taking advantage of the years of absence, the track has undergone modifications to try to offer a more attractive race.
Changes to the Albert Park layout
The FIA and the race promoters was to find a faster circuit with more overtaking opportunities. all within the constraints of the Albert Park location.
In the first two changes – Turns 1 and 2 plus Turns 3 and 4 – braking will be less aggressive as the corner has ben widened by 2.5m on the entry to Turn 1, and by 4m at Turn 3.
Later, the corner of Turns 6 and 7 has been practically eliminated with a 7.5m widening, and something similar has happened with the chicane of Turns 9 and 10, as it has been completely removed.
All this has given way to a long straight that will leave the drivers free to fight until Turns 11 and 12.
Then, at Turn 13, the braking zone has been extended to try to take more advantage of DRS. And at Turn 15, the penultimate corner of the circuit, the braking zone has also been softened.
In addition, the circuit has been resurfaced and the pit lane will be two metres wider, with the grass verge on the right-hand side removed.
“We think it’s very exciting,” an Albert Park source told local media.
“It’s the largest number of changes we’ve made to the circuit since the race came to Melbourne. We’re also going to have new grandstands for fans to enjoy the race from.”
