Albert Park is undergoing major changes to its track layout for this year's rescheduled Australian Grand Prix in November. The most significant change is in the middle of the circuit where the turn nine chicane has been replaced by a fast flowing run onto Lakeside Drive. Speeds are set to be very high and the new complexion of the track will be a challenge for the drivers.
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The new 2021 #AusGP circuit map 👀 What do you like most about the changes to this iconic #F1 track? pic.twitter.com/R1a7RGZ3t2 — F1 Australian Grand Prix (@ausgrandprix) April 1, 2021
A number of other areas will also be widened or reprofiled to create more racing lines and cambers to help wheel to wheel racing. Turn one will be widened by 2.5 metres to the driver's right, with turn three widened by four metres in the same direction and given a camber adjustment. Turn six will be 7.5 metres wider to the driver's right to effectively become a right-hand sweeper rather than a medium speed chicane. The minimum speed at the corner will skyrocket from 149km/h to 219km/h and form part of the fast, flowing run that will continue right through to turn 13. A fourth DRS zone is expected after the new turn nine and ten complex whilst turn 13 may become the circuit's best overtaking spot as it becomes slower and tighter due to a slight extension of the entry and sharper angle at the apex. The camber will also be adjusted and the corner widened by three metres. According to Australian Grand Prix Cooperation data, the changes will lead to qualifying lap times plummeting by around five seconds, down to a predicted lap time of 1:15.8. The pitlane has already been widened by two metres, with plans to up the speed limit to 80km/h, with a full resurfacing will take place between the 2021 and 2022 races.
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You’ve never seen Albert Park like this before 🙌 The new #AusGP track modifications are making the return of #F1 to @Melbourne even more exciting. pic.twitter.com/tnGS35uAjx — F1 Australian Grand Prix (@ausgrandprix) April 1, 2021
Daniel Ricciardo has been calling for changes to the track in recent years and is confident the circuit will provide better racing in the future. "Sundays and making race days more exciting for everyone, that’s what we all want and I think these changes are in the direction of what we want," said Ricciardo. "Better races, more battles – the changes are going to push us towards that. “With these (2021) cars the changes should help a lot, but from 2022, if next year promises everything it does with being able to follow the car in front and the racing to be enhanced, then coming to a circuit like Albert Park with these changes should make a pretty amazing spectacle. “I see all of these changes as beneficial for Sunday and we can have some fun on the brakes. It’ll make the racing closer, I’m pretty confident of that.”
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