For only the second time in 15 years Australia will not be the season-opening race. Instead, this it will be second race on the calendar as Bahrain had the honour of being the curtain raiser.

The 58 lap race is run through private parkland on a temporary street track through Melbourne’s largest public park, Albert Park, close to both the bustling city and the famous St Kilda beach. With a combination of short straights, second and third gear chicanes, the 16 turn track requires medium to high downforce and good traction is essential.
A quick section at the back of the circuit means the event can be quite demanding for drivers, but most feared are the concrete walls that are relatively close to the race track.
Melbourne has been the host city for the Australian GP from 1996. Prior to that the race was held in Adelaide from 1985 until 1995, and was also a street race. Always a popular venue on account of its laidback vibe and a population who embrace the race and the drivers, it’s a great event that also produces some interesting racing.