F1 Circuits - Melbourne, Australia

Current circuit length :	5.303 km (1998-2007)
Lap record :	1m 24.125; 226.933 km/h (Michael Schumacher 2004)
Fastest qualifying lap :	1m 24.482; 226.173 km/h (Michael Schumacher 2004)
Grand Prix held :	12
Web Site :	www.grandprix.com.au
Location :	Melbourne GP Circuit Albert Park 220 Albert Road PO Box 577 South Melbourne Victoria 3205, Australia Tel: (+61) 3 9258 7100 Fax: (+61) 3 9699 3727
Albert Park replaced Adelaide as Australia's F1 venue in 1996 despite fierce protests from environmentalists who were worried about the impact a Grand Prix would have on the surrounding parkland. Additionally, whereas the Adelaide event had brought the F1 season to a close, Melbourne is now the opening round of the championship. At 3.3 miles, Albert Park is one of the longer circuits on the calendar, however don't expect much overtaking. The best opportunity for overtaking is at the end of the pit straight. The nature of the track - lots of corners, with few long straights - means that drivers opt for quite a high level of downforce, with tyre degradation being another significant factor.