FIA shares Aus GP track changes, DRS zones, old rule reminder & more

The FIA released details of the track changes at Albert Park for Australian GP along with the stewards names, DRS zones and more.

As F1 returns to Melbourne after two years gap, the Albert Park circuit has undergone major changes in the meantime to make it a faster flowing track. The promoters kept everyone updated on the changes and the FIA has now released the full details.

Here’s the long list of changes from the FIA Race Directors’ note:

• The right-hand side of the track approaching Turn 1 has been widened by approximately 2.5m and the barriers realigned as a result and a new apex kerb of the same type has been installed at Turn 1.
• The barriers in the runoff area at Turn 1 have been realigned and Tecpro barrier added in the straightahead position.
• The right-hand side barrier at Turn 2 has been realigned.
• The right-hand side of the track approaching Turn 3 has been widened by approximately 4m and the barriers realigned as a result and a new combination apex kerb has been installed at Turn 3.
• The right hands side vehicle opening located approximately 150m prior to Turn 3 has been removed.
• The left-hand side wall at the exit of Turn 5 has been realigned closer to the edge of the track.
• The apex of Turn 6 has moved outward by approximately 8m, the right-hand side barriers have been realigned as a result and a new apex kerb of the same type has been installed.
• The barriers in the runoff area at Turn 6 have been realigned. With the addition of Tecpro barrier to the existing tyre barrier.
• The Turn 7 apex kerb has been extended by approximately 20m at the departure end. Turn 9 and 10 have been removed and the track and barrier configuration has been completely realigned.
• The Tecpro Barrier in the Turn 10 (previously Turn 12) run off area has been upgraded and extended back towards the vehicle opening.
• Turn 11 (previously Turn 13) has been completely reconfigured. A combination kerb has been installed on the apex and a double kerb has been installed in the exit.
• The apex of Turn 13 (previously Turn15) has moved outward by approximately 2m and a new combination apex kerb has been installed.
• The left-hand side barrier at the exit of Turn 14 (previously Turn 16) has been realigned closer to the edge of the track.
• The F1 pit lane has been widened by approximately 2m and completely resurfaced.
• The right-hand side verge on the pit straight has been removed to facilitate the widening of the pit lane and as a result the barrier is on the edge of the track.
• The track has been completely resurfaced.

Much like the Jeddah circuit, there are no track limits which will be monitored to start the weekend, where four DRS zones has been confirmed by the FIA preview. There were three DRS zones previously and a new one has come after the 2022 changes.

Here’s the details of the DRS zones:

DRS 1/2 – Detection: 45m after Turn 6

Activation 1: 140m after Panel 11

Activation 2: 100m after Turn 10

DRS 3/4 – Detection: 90m before Turn 13

Activation 3: 30m after Turn 13

Activation 4: 30m after Turn 2

In terms of the officials, Neils Wittich continues as the FIA F1 Race Director for another weekend, despite speculations of Eduardo Freitas starting his work from Australian GP. The stewards group will see Dr. Gerd Ennser lead the four-people panel.

He will have the support of Dennis Dean, Enrique Bernoldi and Matthew Selley. In another detail which comes a ‘reminder’ from FIA Race Director ahead of the Australian GP weekend is related to the jewellery worn by drivers while in the car for any session.

This is not a new rule as it has been part since the early 2000s, but the FIA Race Director chose to remind the F1 drivers about it on safety grounds after several drivers have been spotted using different forms of jewellery in the paddock during sessions.

Here’s what the note stated – Appendix L, Chapter III, 5 Wearing of jewellery: “The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and my therefore be checked before the start.”

Moving on to the power unit elements list, the FIA is yet to post an updated list post the Saudi Arabian GP where multiple drivers were forced to take new elements where some even had to take new engines. But they posted the document of post-race extensive check, which was done on Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.

Here’s the full FIA Race Directors’ note: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2022%20Australian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Race%20Director’s%20Event%20Notes.pdf

Here’s news on freight issue being averted for Australian GP