The Australian Grand Prix program

Canceled at the last minute in 2020 and absent since, the Australian Grand Prix makes its grand return to the calendar Formula 1. For this comeback on Australian soil, the drivers will have to familiarize themselves with the new version of Albert Park.

For this new edition, the organizers of the Australian Grand Prix have decided to review the Melbourne route to offer “ a brand new show on track for fans. » Thus, 7 of the 16 turns were modified, including two entirely (10 and 13).

The chicane following turn 8 has, for example, been removed to make way for a full load zone connecting said turn directly to the famous left-right (now turns 9 and 10) of Albert Park. This modification led to the addition of a 4^e DRS zone where passing speeds will be considerably increased.

Former turn 13, turn 11 (see map below) was widened by the organizers of the Australian Grand Prix so that drivers have a greater possibility of overtaking at the end of turn 4^e DRS zone of the circuit. All of these changes could improve lap times by several seconds this year.

Green lines represent DRS zones

Regarding schedules, you'll have to be a morning person. The first free practice session is scheduled for 5:00 a.m. (French time) this Friday, followed by the 2^e at 8:00 a.m. The final session will also take place at 5:00 a.m. before qualifying begins at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. Finally, the start of the Australian Grand Prix will be given at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.

2022 Australian Grand Prix Schedule

Friday, April 8

Free Practice 1: 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. / Sainz dominates Leclerc and Pérez

Free Practice 2: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. / Leclerc ahead of Verstappen and Sainz

Saturday, April 9

Free Practice 3: 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. / The Lando Norris surprise

Qualifications: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. / Leclerc takes pole

Sunday, April 10

Race: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. / Results to come…

SEE ALSO > VIDEO – A lap on the new Australian Grand Prix track