Why the racing world loves Albert Park Grand Prix: Circuit length of 5.303 km, 58 laps & Hamilton's record

The Melbourne circuit has been used since 1996 when it replaced Adelaide as Australia’s host.

By Rajarshi Bhattacharjee, ET Bureau | Mar 13, 2020, 02.50 PM IST

It is one of the faster tracks on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2019 pole lap set at an average of over 235 kmph.

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020
Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne

Circuit length: 5.303 km
Race length: 307.574 km (58 laps)

Debut: 1996, won by Damon Hill in a Renault

A new Formula One season starts at Albert Park circuit, Melbourne, this weekend.

Check out why the world loves racing at the Oceanic nation’s scenic track

1. The 2020 calendar features 21 races. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai set for April 19 has been postponed by the governing body FIA and Formula One. Authorities will weigh potential dates later this year. The Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have also suspended ticket sales for this month’s (March 22) Formula One race.

2. The Melbourne circuit has been used since 1996 when it replaced Adelaide as Australia’s host. It surrounds the Albert Park Lake flanked by low trees and jubilant spectators. As a temporary facility, Albert Park can be a bumpy and slippery track to start with.

3. It is also one of the faster tracks on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2019 pole lap set at an average of over 235 kmph.

4. The favourites are Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), Kimi Raikkonen (Sauber), Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Daniel Ricciardo (Renault).

5. Ferrari’s improved competitiveness, applied more consistently, may give Mercedes and reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton a headache.

6. Ferrari’s engine was the subject of much speculation last year, with rivals suspecting the team was circumventing fuel flow sensors to gain performance. Formula One’s governing body, however, reached a private settlement with Ferrari for lack of evidence.

7. Canadian racer Nicholas Latifi will make his Formula One debut with Williams this weekend. The 24-year-old graduated from Formula Two, where he was runner-up last season.

8. Meanwhile, coronavirus fears are escalating. Daniel Ricciardo pulled out of a scheduled Renault media conference over fears he might be exposed to the virus. Elsewhere, Australian media reported that eight members of the F1 paddock are in self-isolation after being tested for the virus in Melbourne.

9. Teams also have their sights set on 2021 and a rules revolution. The 2021 regulations represent one of the biggest revamps in the sport, with revised aerodynamics and bigger wheels and tyres.

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FORMULA 1 Singapore Grand Prix Marina Bay Street Circuit
Circuit length: 5.063 km
Race distance: 308.706 km (61 laps)
Debut: 2008, won by Fernando Alonso for Renault

Six points to expect from F1’s only night race and one of the most-physically demanding circuits on the calendar.