Albert Park – Melbourne

When was the track built?

The modern circuit has been opened in 1996, and it has hosted almost every year the opening race of the season since, although racing in Melbourne is popular since the 1950s in different road courses.
After the modifications completed at the end of 2021 to facilitate overtaking it will be kept in the calendar also by the new F1 Organization.

When was its first Grand Prix?

In 1996, when the Williams-Renault duo, the rookie Jacques Villeneuve and Damon Hill, dominated all session, taking the front row and the 1-2 victory, with the Canadian getting pole at his debut race and then slowed down by technical issue in the race.
All opponent were more than a minute behind, with Irvine’s Ferrari completing the podium.
It is one of the eight Australian circuits that will feature in the Oceania Continental Series.

What’s the circuit like?

Despite not having the usual traits of the street circuit, with mainly fast corners and high average speeds, it suffers of some of the flaws of them, with overtaking normally remaining at a premium and close barriers, causing often safety cars.
It usually produces good racing anyway and it is appreciated by fans and drivers.

Where is it located?

In Albert Park, in downtown Melbourne, with the airport around 20km away. (- 37°50’52”, +144°58’14”)