Poll: Official 2023 Australian Grand Prix Race Thread - Albert Park, Melbourne - Race 3/23

[chrismscotland]

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Melbourne​

When was the track built?​

The deal to host Formula 1 in Melbourne was done in 1993, with the decision taken to create a circuit using a mixture of the existing roads around the city’s Albert Park – mainly Aughtie Drive and Lakeside Drive if you fancy driving it yourself – with a little detour through the Lakeside Stadium’s car park.

When was its first Grand Prix?​

Just four months after Adelaide held its last Australian Grand Prix at the end of 1995, the Formula 1 teams were back in Australia for Melbourne's first Grand Prix at the start of 1996. That race is most often remembered for Martin Brundle’s infamous Jordan crash at Turn 3 after he launched himself off the back of Johnny Herbert’s Sauber.

What’s the circuit like?​

As a temporary facility, Albert Park can be quite bumpy - though resurfacing for 2022 will no doubt improve matters - while the circuit at the start of the weekend is often slippery, rubbering in as the sessions progress. It’s also a circuit that requires a well-sorted chassis, with several spots on the track where the drivers require a reactive front end to allow them to chuck it into a corner. Melbourne is also one of the faster tracks on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2019 pole lap set at an average of over 235km/h.

Why go?​

Often found on lists of the world’s best cities, Melbourne is a blast all year round – and it only gets better when Formula 1 rolls into town. There are bars and restaurants aplenty, you’re right by the beach, while the race’s appearance at the start of Australia’s autumn means the temperatures should be peachy.

Schedule Information & TV Broadcast Times​

Sky F1 - Full Replay - Broadcast Times​

Saturday 1st April 2023 - Australian GP Qualifying Full Replay - 09:00
Sunday 2nd April 2023 - Australian GP Race Full Replay - 09:30

Channel 4 Highlights - Broadcast Times​

Saturday 1st April 2023 - Australian GP Qualifying Highlights - 11:45
Sunday 2nd April 2023 - Australian GP Race Highlights - 12:30

Weekend Weather Forecast (as at 09:15 - 31/03/2023)​

Track Diagram & Information​

Previous Race Highlights​

• Australian Grand Prix 2021 - Highlights
• Australian Grand Prix 2022 - Highlights
• Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) - Top 10 Memorable Moments

Championship Standings​

To be added!

Just a reminder, but consider it a warning - can we not have any further derogatory name calling of drivers, team bosses and the like. We don't expect you to like every driver/team, but at least keep comments respectful.

If you don't follow this warning, you will lose access to the race thread and the thread for the following race as well.

This includes but is not limited to such terms including Lulu, Crashstappen, Karen Horner, Whingey Spice etc.

 

[Feek]

Another circuit I enjoy watching and I normally get up for this one, thanks @chrismscotland

Just an addendum to the warning, one person has a thread ban for this race due to his posting in the previous thread. It's not a hollow warning, we act on it.

 

[Shoeyuk]

Always enjoy watching this track, nice to see Alonso in the thick end of the action. Hoping Aston have enough budget to keep things improving thoughout the season.

 

[MissChief]

One for watching the recording later on the Sunday!

 

[UTmaniac]

Feels so odd this not being the first race of the season and last one before Baku at very end of April.

 

[Feek]

Feels so odd this not being the first race of the season and last one before Baku at very end of April.

Agreed and it also feels odd with Brazil not being the last race. Having said that, it felt strange when Brazil moved from the start of the season to the end but it worked well at the end.

 

[Stu999]

One for watching the recording later on the Sunday!

Yeah, was it this race last year that had hours of delays too? I’m definitely going for the highlights.

 

[Scam]

Feels so odd this not being the first race of the season and last one before Baku at very end of April.

Yeah if there's one thing I do dislike now is the fact the season starts and ends in relatively soulless desert tracks with absolutely no F1 history

 

[AlphariusOmegan]

soooo, is anyone going to be watching free practice this race?? I usually put it on while working but i'm not going to be getting up in the middle of the night for this one.

 

[uscool]

I'll watch Practice 2 / qualifying and the race which are from 06:00

 

[MissChief]

soooo, is anyone going to be watching free practice this race?? I usually put it on while working but i'm not going to be getting up in the middle of the night for this one.

It used to be on about 1am and I'd made it a tradition to stay up and watch it as the first track action of the season. Now its not the first race its not the same. I won't be staying up, or getting up early.

 

[cuke2u]

Me neither, just hasn't got the same buzz about the race weekend as it did and the replacement definitely hasn't. The aussie's still know how to put on a good show but I also think it should be returned to it's rightful place..

 

[chrismscotland]

The reality is Bahrain was willing to pay for the privilege of having the opening race, Australia wasn't.

Sadly that's the world we have in F1 now

 

[AlphariusOmegan]

Formula 1 teams now face a penalty threat if any of their personnel climb the pitwall fence during chequered flag celebrations.
F1 race director Niels Wittich’s pre-weekend event safety notes, included the line “it is forbidden to climb on pitwall debris fence at any time” and referenced Appendix H, Article 2.3.2 of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.
It is thought highly unlikely that any such resulting penalty would impact the race result of a driver but they don't seem to have learnt their lesson by laying out in black and white what the penalty should be.

 

[CSMonkeh]

Formula 1 teams now face a penalty threat if any of their personnel climb the pitwall fence during chequered flag celebrations.
F1 race director Niels Wittich’s pre-weekend event safety notes, included the line “it is forbidden to climb on pitwall debris fence at any time” and referenced Appendix H, Article 2.3.2 of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.
It is thought highly unlikely that any such resulting penalty would impact the race result of a driver but they don't seem to have learnt their lesson by laying out in black and white what the penalty should be.

Thought this was already in place?

 

[AlphariusOmegan]

the rules been in place for years but it's never been enforced with a penalty threat before

 

[Max E]

I have been reading this forum for a while and thought I would finally sign up and join in. I am looking forward to this weekend, it should be good.

 

[Drukk]

Seems season is already over unless you like watching red bull cruise around for easy wins, all a bit boring. Atleast when they had no cost cap other teams actually had a chance of catching up, cost cap has made this potentially the most boring season ever

 

[MissChief]

Seems season is already over unless you like watching red bull cruise around for easy wins, all a bit boring. Atleast when they had no cost cap other teams actually had a chance of catching up, cost cap has made this potentially the most boring season ever

Fingers crossed the penalty for red bulls cheating and their reduced wind tunnel and CFD time starts to catch up with them at the end of the season. But, somehow, I predict Red Bull will still be bringing parts and upgrades late into the season.

 

[Mr Jack]

4 DRS zones. Four. Christ on a frickin' bike.

My enthusiasm for getting up early just tanked.