Renault dissects the specificities of the Albert Park circuit

The Albert Park circuit, located in Melbourne (Australia) only hosts one race per year, but what a race! It is in fact around the Albert Park lake that the inaugural Grand Prix of the 2019 season will take place. Formula 1 (March 15-17). Described as a “semi-permanent” route by the paddock, the difficulties are numerous as explained by the men of Renault F1 Team. 

“The first corner is at high speed, which then leads into a short straight and heavy braking at turn 3, details the public favorite, Daniel Ricciardo. The section between turns 4 and 8 is very fun. It's very fast with these single-seaters with a high level of downforce, under the trees and surrounded by grass.

Due to its urban character, overtaking attempts are limited. “However, there is a good opportunity at turn 9,” continues the new Renault recruit, “which requires a lot of commitment. The next phase is very fast with a chicane and a new straight line. 

The final section is more winding, but it is important to widen the line at the last two corners in order to have a good exit to the start/finish straight.", concludes Daniel Ricciardo. The comparison below shows the Albert Park circuit during the Grand Prix weekend as well as in December, without the facilities around the 5,303 km route. 

His teammate Nico Hulkenberg details the specificities of Albert Park. “You feel the bumps on the track on Friday and a lack of grip, but then the grip comes. There are kerbs that you can climb, which is satisfying when you negotiate them properly. »

Chassis and technical director Nick Chester adds: “Temperatures can vary greatly in Melbourne (the GP takes place almost in the austral autumn. Editor’s note) et rain can come from the adjoining bay." The 2013 qualifying sessions were hit by heavy downpours while the 2010 Grand Prix, won by Jenson Button, was disrupted by unstable weather.