McLaren Fans Australian Grand Prix Preview
By Sam Cooper
March 9 2008
Australia has hosted an official formula one grand prix since 1985, though it held a race in various different parts of Australia from 1929-1984, when it was held at the Adelaide street circuit. In 1996, the race moved to the Albert Park circuit, where every year, an ordinary park, just half a mile from the beach, is transformed into a Formula one grand prix circuit.
McLaren Fans Track Preview
Round 1- Melbourne, Australia
History of the circuit.
Australia has hosted an official formula one grand prix since 1985, though it held a race in various different parts of Australia from 1929-1984, when it was held at the Adelaide street circuit. In 1996, the race moved to the Albert Park circuit, where every year, an ordinary park, just half a mile from the beach, is transformed into a Formula one grand prix circuit.
In 1993, the well-known businessman, Mr Ron Walker, AC CBE, started to make plans to have the countries only grand prix moved to Albert Park in Melbourne. Three years later, the race moved to its new venue, but the move wasn’t without protest. Several protests were organised by the “Save Albert Park”, they complained that the large amount of money spent on the grand prix could be better spent. Nevertheless, the race still goes ahead, as the public amenities were greatly improved for the circuits first race.
The race organisers have considered a permanent racing circuit, instead of a street circuit, the idea never caught on, as the race would be unidentifiable. There are rumours that Adelaide may host a Formula One race again when Melbourne's contract comes up for review. The Adelaide event usually turned a profit, something which Melbourne has yet to achieve.
Characteristics of the circuit
The circuit is liked by most drivers, due to its consistent layout of the corners and straights which flow into one and other. The circuit is usually a good indication of whether a car will be competitive all year round, as a car that is good at Albert Park, will normally be good around every other circuit.
The circuit demands high top speeds as well as a good downforce setup; therefore good aerodynamic efficiency is vital.
Circuit Map
Where to watch
Turn one is the obvious place to be, with cars approaching 185mph, overtaking is guaranteed. Turn two offers a fight back opportunity if your opponent outbreaks himself going into the first turn. A long straight follows, which allows drivers to fight for position into turn three. Turn 13, which follows a fast chicane and lengthy straight, is another great opportunity for overtaking.
Top 8 positions last year
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time |
| 1 | K. Räikkönen | Ferrari | 1:25:28.770 |
| 2 | F. Alonso | McLaren | + 7.242 |
| 3 | L. Hamilton | McLaren | + 18.595 |
| 4 | N. Heidfeld | BMW | + 38.763 |
| 5 | G. Fisichella | Renault | + 1:06.469 |
| 6 | F. Massa | Ferrari | + 1:06.805 |
| 7 | N. Rosberg | Williams | + 1 laps |
| 8 | R. Schumacher | Toyota | + 1 laps |
Other Australian Grand Prix Results
Fastest Lap: Kimi Raikkonen- Ferrari: 1.25.235
Pole: Kimi Raikkonen- Ferrari: 1.26.072
McLaren Fans Predictions
From Ferrari’s testing form, it looks likely that the Scuderia will win the first race of the season, though if they suffer from reliability issues, McLaren looks second favourite to win the race. The only way I can foresee McLaren winning the race is if the team lock out the front row and if they have a good strategy to see them through the race.
Track map copyright F.I.A