2013 Australian Grand Prix Preview

So testing is over, speculation is going in to overload and that means only one thing; the first race of the 2013 season is upon us.

(c) Sky Sports F1

The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, as usual, hosts the Australian Grand Prix and is the perfect place to kick off the new season. The bustling, friendly city atmosphere, the stunning park surroundings and relaxed Aussie lifestyle make it a much loved location amongst the F1 fraternity.

The circuit is also a favourite amongst drivers. It consists of a mix of medium speed chicanes, fast kinks and short straights that make it a challenge for even the most experienced of racers. Overtaking opportunities are slim in comparison to the likes of China and Malaysia, with their long straights but turns one, three, nine and thirteen provide decent spots for some racing action. 

The Australian Grand Prix never fails to provide an interesting spectacle. We have witnessed some fantastic and exciting Grand Prix’s in the past. For example the 2002 Season Opener got off to a flying start, quite literally, when Ralf Schumacher launched over the top of Rubens Barrichello’s Ferrari at the first corner. It sparked chaos and eight cars were eliminated.

The first race of the season also gives us a glimpse at what’s to come. After weeks of testing, months of gossip and plenty of guessing we all finally get to see the true running order. This was evident in 2009 when BrawnGP kicked off a fairytale year. The team had previously been known as Honda, but the Japanese firm pulled out of the sport over the winter. A last minute deal by team boss Ross Brawn meant they debuted at the season opener under their new guise. The car proved to be the one to beat and they finished 1-2. 

Jenson Button piloted the Brawn GP car to the 2009 win, but three years later he was driving for McLaren. The Brit won the 2012 race for the Woking based squad but whereas Brawn went on to win the title; they slipped back and missed out.

The 2013 season looks to be a close one, but testing has provided us with no real look at the potential grid order. With rules remaining stable over the winter, what we can say is that Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren will probably continue on out front, whilst Lotus and Mercedes could join the fray. The midfield looks hugely competitive, whilst Marussia and Caterham look to continue their battle at the back. Only time will tell, we will have to wait for Qualifying in Australia to find out who’s hot and who’s not.

(c) AllF1

Australian GP Fact File:

Location: Albert Park, Melbourne

Length: 3.295 miles
Direction: Clockwise

Turns: 16

Laps: 58
Gear changes per lap: 56
Full Throttle: 69%

First Race: 1985 (Albert Park Track 1996)

Lap Record: 1m24.125 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 2004
Tyre Compounds: Supersoft and Medium

2012 Race Winner: Jenson Button

2012 Fastest Lap: 1m29.187

2012 Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton