My Formula 1 Blog » Australian Grand Prix

Review of Australian Grand Prix

F1fan — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:32:05 +0000

What an outstanding race. The rule changes (no traction control, no control of engine braking) really had an impact, with the cars sliding all over the place. In addition, it means that the drivers will occasionally make mistakes (Kimi?) that will allow more passing.

McLaren looks very strong, with both Lewis and Heikki having a great race (even with Heikki’s mistake on the final straight), and the Ferrari car looks fast, even though they had a lot of reliability issues. If there is one thing we can be sure of, it is that Ferrari will solve these problems. The BMW and Williams cars also look strong with Nick Heidfield and Nico Rosberg coming second and third. Additionally, Red Bull, Toyota, and Toro Rosso all looked strong. The Honda was suprisingly fast, especially Rubens.

It is unclear how fast the Renault is. Fernando had a decent race, but it looks like it is more down to his incredible driving skills rather than the capability of the car. Nelson had a terrible debut (similar to Heikki’s debut last year). We will see in the next few races. Force India’s cars didn’t run long enough to give any idea on how fast they will be. Super Aguri was really using the race as a testing session as they have done almost no testing.

It looks to be a great season, based on the first race. Let’s hope it continues in Malaya next.

Raikkonen unhappy after opening day

F1fan — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:02:59 +0000

Autosport.com is reporting that World champion Kimi Raikkonen said he was not happy with his Ferrari team’s performance in practice for the Australian Grand Prix.

Raikkonen, last year’s winner from pole position in Melbourne, topped the times in the morning session but could only be sixth in the afternoon.

Drivers give backing to Australian GP

F1fan — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:01:22 +0000

A number of outlets are reporting that Formula One drivers have given their backing for the Australian Grand Prix to be retained on the Formula One calendar.

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has threatened to ditch the race from the schedule after 2010 unless organisers agree to stage it at night to suit European television.

But the drivers, many of whom made their race debuts at the season-opening event at Melbourne’s Albert Park, say they hope it survives.

Sydney offers to hold Australian night GP

F1fan — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:11:26 +0000

Autosport.com is reporting that with Melbourne’s offer to move the start time of its race back to 5pm next year not appearing to have placated Bernie Ecclestone’s insistence than the Australian Grand Prix become a night race, Sydney has stepped in to express its interest in doing just that.

Albert Park has a contract to hold the F1 race until 2010 but Ecclestone has said that unless the race moves to a night time start, he will not renew it. Victorian Government officials have reiterated they are against a night race.

However, New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has revealed that Sydney would be up for holding a night race at a revamped Eastern Creek track.

Australian GP to move to Flemington?

F1fan — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:45:47 +0000

As reported on Grandprix.com, Australia’s Channel Nine is reporting that there are discussions going on to move the Australian Grand Prix from Albert Park in Melbourne to the Flemington Racecourse in the north-west of the city. This will reduce the costs of the Australian Grand Prix as it will become a permanent facility as opposed to the current temporary one in Albert Park. The current contract with Bernie is through 2010, so the change wouldn’t happen until after the current contract ends. The Flemington racecourse has been declared a National Heritage Site, which may create problems if roads and other facilities needed to be constructed.