A new, faster circuit for Melbourne’s Albert Park
The Australian Grand Prix organizers are currently working on the Albert Park track. On average, the cars will gain 5 seconds per lap!
The semi-urban circuit of Albert Park is getting a makeover in Melbourne! The promoter of the Australian Grand Prix announces that modifications are being made to the layout. In total, seven corners of the circuit are concerned. Construction vehicles are busy at work as shown in this video posted on the official Grand Prix website.
Two completely changed turns
In detail, two corners are completely changed. Corner 6 (at the end of the first sector) is transformed into a long fast right-hand curve. T6 is widened by 7 and a half meters and the passage speed will increase by 70 km/h. It was around 149 km/h in 2019, it will go up to 219 km/h according to the forecasts for 2021!
The new circuit map:
A little further on, the chicane of the 9th and 10th turns sequence is simply abandoned! Instead, the drivers will continue full throttle to the right, with the long existing curve, which leads back to turns 11 and 12, taken at high speed. This is the longest full throttle section of the circuit, and a potential DRS zone depending on the organization of the Grand Prix.
Next, the drivers will be able to brake a bit later to pass turn 13. The entry of the turn is extended and widened by 3 and a half meters but the angle of the turn will be greater than before. The turn will be slower and tighter and could promote overtaking, according to the organization.
Turns 1, 3, and 15 will also be widened. The angle of the turns will be changed to increase the number of trajectories.
Identical since its arrival in Melbourne in 1996, the Australian Grand Prix is getting a serious boost, with a track that has also been resurfaced. Modifications for a faster circuit hope Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the promoter of the Grand Prix. On average, cars are expected to gain 5 seconds per lap according to estimates!
The local driver also reacted to these ongoing modifications. For the Australian Daniel Ricciardo, these changes are heading in the direction we want.
These changes should already help the 2021 cars. For 2022, if the new regulations deliver on their promises and if we can keep up with the cars, then watching them on the track should be quite entertaining.
« I see all these changes as beneficial for the Sunday race. We should have a good time on the brakes! » reacted the McLaren driver.
Daniel Ricciardo: « I see all these changes as beneficial for the Sunday race. We should have a lot of fun with the brakes! »
Initially scheduled as the opening race of the 2021 season, the Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to Sunday, November 21 due to health restrictions.
