The F1 Australian GP organisers have released new information on the track changes happening at Albert Park, as they expect lap times five seconds faster.

Having announced changes at F1 Australian GP Albert Park circuit, work has begun, as the organisers released new information which suggests that the expected lap times will be five seconds faster than before, when grand prix returns in November.

Going through the modifications, the Turn 6 is being widened by 7.5 meters, which is to allow for a speed change of 70 km/h – highest for any F1 circuit on the 2021 calendar. The minimum speed is expected to be 219 km/h, which is up by 58 km/h from before.

Going further in the lap, the chicane at Turns 9 and 10 is being removed, which will create the longest straight on the track with a potential of a new DRS zone to be added. Moving ahead, Turn 13 is being widened and reprofiled for a different racing line.

Additionally, Turns 1, 3 and Turn 15 is also being widened, where Turn 1 and Turns 13 and 15 will have their cambers adjusted to provide multiple driving lines. The Australian GP organisers will have new spectator space along with some other community benefits.

“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 McLaren F1 driver Daniel 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.” At the same time,  Andrew Westacott, Australian GP Corporation CEO, added: “These circuit modifications mean faster racing, with plenty of new opportunities for drivers to battle it out – come November, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will be back and better than ever.

“Since the 1950s Albert Park has been synonymous with Grand Prix racing with these upgrades aligning perfectly with the changes in specifications of the Formula 1 cars in 2022. While the project will make for more exciting racing, it also enhances the roads and surrounding facilities for community use beyond the event for years to come.”

Here’s a snapshot of changes shared by F1 Australian GP:

Turn 1:

  • Widening of the corner by 2.5 metres (to the drivers’ right).

Turn 3:

  • Widening of the corner by 4 metres (to the drivers’ right).
  • Camber adjustment.

Turn 6:

  • Widening of the corner by 7.5 metres (to the drivers’ right).

Current Turns 9 and 10

  • Chicane removed to create a straight, creating the possibility of a fourth DRS zone at Albert Park.

Current Turn 13:

  • Realignment of Ross Gregory Drive and slight extension of Lakeside Drive to create a tightened corner (between Turns 13 and 14).
  • Widening of corner by 3 metres (to the drivers’ right).
  • Camber adjustment.

Current Turn 15:

  • Widening of the corner by 3.5 metres (to the drivers’ right).
  • Camber adjustment.

Pitlane:

  • Widened by 2 metres (completed in late 2020).

Additional facts:

  • The average F1 qualifying lap time decreases by approximately 5 seconds, from 1m 21.0s to 1m 15.8s.
  • The average F1 qualifying speed increases by 15 km/h, from 236 km/h to 251 km/h.
  • The simulated top F1 qualifying speed is approximately 330 km/h into the current Turn 11 (assuming the fourth DRS zone is ratified).
  • The largest speed change on the circuit is at Turn 6, where there will be an approximate 70 km/h difference in minimum speed through the corner in F1 qualifying, from 149 km/h to 219 km/h.
  • The highest g-force on the circuit is on the entry to the current Turn 11 during F1 qualifying at 5.4 g.
  • There is the potential for a fourth DRS zone on the back straight – this is subject to FIA approval and is anticipated to be formalised mid-year.
  • It is likely the Albert Park circuit will reduce from 16 to 14 turns – this is subject to FIA approval and is anticipated to be formalised mid-year.

Here’s selection of photos and video from F1 Australian GP:

Here’s initial details of F1 Australian GP changes

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