By Ian Lockwood
March 29 2006

This race last year marked the debut of the Red Bull Racing Formula one team. A lot has been achieved since then, but will Red Bull Racing be able to match the debut performance that made the rest of the paddock sit up and take notice?

About Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly multicultural city that is home to people from over 140 nations and located on the banks of the Yarra River where it meets Port Philip Bay. Over 3000 restaurants present fine cuisine accompanied by superb local wines. You'll find countless rows of cafes along the riverside at Southgate, in the lanes and streets of the city centre and adjoining bohemian neighbourhoods like Fitzroy, groovy St Kilda and stylish South Yarra. Hundreds of designer fashion boutiques are also found in the precincts. While shopping, stop to enjoy glorious architecture from outstanding galleries to opulent theaters.

Albert Park

Evidence indicates that Aborigines inhabited Albert Park and the surrounds some 40,000 years ago. Albert Park was a series of swamps and lagoons that provided edible vegetation. In 1864 the Park was proclaimed a public park and named Albert Park in honour of Queen Victoria's devoted consort, Prince Albert. Over the ensuing years Albert Park was used as a tip, as a camp for the armed services, for scenic drives and for many forms of recreation.

Today the magnificent Albert Park is enjoyed by approximately 3,500,000 visitors annually. Vestiges of Albert Park's Aboriginal history still remain, the most noticeable being the large ancient River Red Gum Tree, reputed to be the site of many corroborees. It is thought to be over 300 years old, the oldest remnant tree in the Port Phillip area, located next to Junction Oval on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Queens Road, St Kilda.

The Clarendon Street gates are the best manifestations of European history. Originally built of wooden pickets in 1910, they were cast in wrought iron in 1939 and can still be seen today.

Internationally, however, Albert Park is best known as the venue for the Australian Grand Prix

Circuit Guide

Lap Distance: 5.303km / 3.295 miles

Number of Laps 58

Lap Record: M Schumacher (Ferrari) 1:24.125

 

 

 

 

 

Albert Park is high on the list of many drivers favourite circuits. The facilities are excellent (especially considering that this is a temporary venue), the weather is usually good, and the crowds love their motorsport.

Melbourne ran its first Formula One race in 1996, after taking the Australian venue from Adelaide. With this maiden race, also came the shift of the Australian race to the beginning of the Formula One calendar. The transition didn't come smoothly, with many disruptions from protesters, which still carry on today, although the numbers have greatly dwindled.

Damon Hill, still all charged up from his victory in the closing race of 1995, continued where he left off, winning the maiden victory, after his new Williams team-mate, Jacques Villeneuve, had to slow at the end of the race with engine problems.

1997, Melbourne's' second year, Jacques Villeneuve looked set to win again for Williams, after dominating qualifying, by a massive margin, but he was taken out on the first corner by Eddie Irvine, and so David Coulthard raced on to McLarens first win since Adelaide in 1993. This race also gave Damon Hill an early indication that his run with the Arrows team, would not be smooth, as his car coasted to a halt on the parade lap, preventing him from participating in his first title defending race.

1998, who of us will ever forget the season opener? A race that was won with such total dominance, and under a huge cloud. Once again David Coulthard looked set to win, after teammate, Mika Hakkinen, lost so much time in the pits. Learning of the Fins predicament, David slowed to let Mika pass, honouring a gentleman's agreement the two had made before the race. Fans all over the world went wild.

1999 saw Eddie Irvine take his first ever GP win for Ferrari and although the Irishman had left for the Jaguar team for the 2000 championship, it was another Ferrari victory, this time a one two with Michael Schumacher claiming his first ever Australian win and new teammate Rubens Barrichello coming in second.

The 2001 Australian race was marred by the tragic death of a safety marshal after a collision between the BAR of Jacques Villeneuve and the Williams of Ralf Schumacher. Michael Schumacher went on to take his second victory in the land down under, making it a hat trick in 2002. Usually being at the start of the season (but moved this year to avoid a clash with the Commonwealth games, the track is well known as a debut for many rookies, and local driver Mark Webber was immortalized when he crossed the line in his debut race in fifth place last year.

David Coulthard won only one race in 2003, here in Australia. The Red Bull driver (then with McLaren) finished in front of Williams' Juan Pablo Montoya in second place and Kimi Raikkonen in third position. In 2004, Michael Schumacher was back in control leading home team-mate Rubens Barrichello in what would be a dominant season for Ferrari and Michael's seventh championship success.

2005 saw Fisichella winning for Renault, but it was Red Bull who were the surprise of the race. DC was looking set for a podium finish until a stop for a new nosecone delayed him. He finished 4th with team mate Christian Klien a very credible 7th, giving Red Bull a doouble points finish on its debut.

I'm sure everyone would be delighted with a repeat performance.