The 2009 Formula 1 World Championship begins in the picturesque surroundings of Melbourne’s Albert Park. With major rule changes coming into effect and the arrival of an exciting new team the Australian Grand Prix could well produce an unexpected winner.
History of the Australian Grand Prix
The Australian Grand Prix was first granted Formula 1 World Championship status in 1985. Until 1995 the race was held on a street circuit in Adelaide. Its position on the calendar as the final Grand Prix of the season meant that Adelaide was the scene for a couple of memorable World Championship showdowns.
In 1986 Nigel Mansell saw his title hopes evaporate following a spectacular tyre failure. In 1994 Michael Schumacher won his maiden title in acrimonious circumstances after colliding with rival Damon Hill.
A move to Melbourne in 1996 also saw the Australian Grand Prix become the opening round of the Formula 1 season. The new venue quickly became a firm favourite with drivers and fans alike. Melbourne faced losing the Grand Prix recently, due to the race’s start time. This year’s race will begin later than usual to better suit European TV audiences.
2009 F1 World Championship Contenders
Pre-season testing has proved far from conclusive in determining which teams are quick and which are not. Ferrari looked to be the pace-setters, but no-one anticipated the speed displayed by the new Brawn GP team, formed from the remnants of the defunct Honda operation.
On recent test days the Brawn car has proved to be consistently quicker than its rivals. Whether drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello can replicate this form in Melbourne remains to be seen. In the past pre-season testing has proven to a notoriously unreliable way of predicting form.
Ferrari, Toyota and BMW have all looked quick in recent tests, but the major surprise has been the lack of pace from McLaren. Defending Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton may well start the 2009 season with a car incapable of challenging for victory.
Australian Grand Prix Statistics
Race date: Sunday March 29th, 2009
Race distance: 58 laps
Circuit length: 3.295 miles (5.303 km)
Lap record: 1 minute, 24.125 seconds (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari – 2004)
Weather forecast: Dry and sunny on both Saturday and Sunday, with maximum temperature of 26°C.
Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit
The modern incarnation of the Albert Park circuit presents a considerable challenge for the Formula 1 drivers. Unlike some current circuits there are several good opportunities to overtake, most notably at turn one and turn three.
Lewis Hamilton won the 2008 Australian Grand Prix but, with his McLaren apparently off the pace, it looks unlikely that he will manage to repeat the feat. The Albert Park circuit will suit cars which are good in high speed corners and easy on tyres. The Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 5pm local time (6am GMT).
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