Harder, better, faster, stronger.
With the biggest changes in motion at Albert Park since 1996, motorsport fans are set for a new on-track spectacle.
“If you think about professional sport, you can’t predict that week-in and week-out you’re going to have a great game of footy, or a great cricket match, or a great car race,” said Mark Skaife, iEDM Motorsport Director and five-time Supercars champion.
“We think with the changes we’re making, there’s enough inclusions and enough variables that week-in, week-out we think that’s going to improve the racing quality – but it’s also going to create a greater level of jeopardy.”
The changes have been developed in conjunction with Formula 1 bigwigs such as Ross Brawn and Herman Tilke, while Australian McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton were also consulted.
As part of the modifications corners are being widened, cambers are being changed, and the pit lane speed limit is being raised to create a more exhilarating driving and viewing experience.
One of these changes is the removal of the chicane currently at Turns 9 and 10.
Along with faster racing, the change means drivers may benefit from a fourth Drag Reduction System (DRS) zone that hasn’t yet been confirmed by FIA.
This will reduce the number of turns on the circuit from 16 to 14.
Leading from Turn 6 with the track alterations, there will be an approximate speed increase of 70km/h in minimum speed through the corner. The average qualifying lap time is predicted to decrease by approximately five seconds as well.
“These circuit modifications mean faster racing,” Andrew Westacott, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO says.
These modifications are aimed at creating more overtaking zones, that will in turn foster more competitive, exciting racing.
New locations for corporate, grandstands and general admission fans will also be part of the upgrade.
Beyond the Grand Prix, the project will bring changes for cyclists and joggers at Albert Park.
Following the Grand Prix tentatively scheduled for 18-21 November 2021, the entire Albert Park circuit will be resurfaced for the first time since it was constructed in 1995.
