Poll: Australian Grand Prix 2018, Melbourne - Race 1/21

[Shimmy]

Melbourne

When Formula One came to Australia in 1985 it set up home in Adelaide. However, ex-racer-turned-entrepreneur Bob Jane wanted a race in Melbourne. He created a huge 'thunderdome' and invented the AUSCAR series, bringing NASCAR action to Australia.

The desire to have a race in Melbourne did not wane. Despite the popular end of season slot for the Adelaide race, pressure was growing from the Melbourne motor sport community, and in 1992 Jeff Kennett was elected the new premier of the State of Victoria. He immediately set about improving Melbourne's profile. First on his list was the Australian Grand Prix.

An agreement was reached with Formula One in 1993, but the contract with Adelaide did not expire until 1995, so Kennett had plenty of time to prepare.

A track was developed in Melbourne's beautiful Albert Park, part of it using closed-off public roads, and in 1996 the city held the first round of the world championship.

Since then the race has become very popular with drivers and fans alike, and the party atmosphere of Melbourne keeps them coming back year after year.

TV Times
Sky:


C4:



Track Diagram & Information



Weather Forecast



2017 Onboard Lap
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2...ion_lap_-_Lewis_Hamilton__Australia_2017.html

2017 Race Edit
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/2017/3/Director's_Cut__Australia_2017.html

Australia Preview Quotes
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/...--mercedes--force-india--haas-and-renaul.html


Practice 1



Practice 2



Practice 3



Qualifying



Race

 

[Shimmy]

We're back

 

[Shimmy]

3 place grid penalty for Danny Ricc, went too fast under red flag conditions.

 

[Shimmy]

Errrm wow Lewis.

 

[Shimmy]

Vettel's been having a stinker this weekend, but he has a knack for getting rather lucky.

Hopefully we'll see Vettel and Hamilton dicing for the remaining part of the race. Feel sorry for Kimi, his best weekend in ages.

 

[Shimmy]

If only F1 forced aero regs that allow cars to follow closely we would be setup for an enthralling year of constant battling and overtaking.

The top three are actually quite close this year in race pace terms at least, Haas are the upset team this year and McLaren are finally showing life.

Yes the sport as a whole needs to be cheaper, but this year F1 has potentially so many good stories for the season. Shame it's all spoiled by the technical regulations, halo goes under that bracket too - has no place in motorsport imo.