Faster cars and world's best drivers are ready to battle for the opening round of the 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix on March 26 at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit at Albert Park in Melbourne.
Known as the oldest surviving annual motor racing competition held in Australia since its inception at Phillip Island back in 1928, the 2017 season marks the 22nd race to be staged in Melbourne and the 33rd time in Australia. The race is scheduled to conclude on November 26 in Abu Dhabi, plus five back-to-back race weekends.
Today, the world championship reaches almost every continent: from Australia to Abu Dhabi, with stops in countries like China, Russia, Spain (Barcelona), Monaco (Monte Carlo), Canada (Montreal), Austria, Great Britain, Belgium, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, USA, and other great locations in the world.
Did you know that when Formula One came to Australia in 1985, it set up home in Adelaide? Ex-racer-turned-entrepreneur Bob Jane, however, wanted a race in Melbourne so he built a huge thunderdome and created the AUSCAR (an auto racing sanctioning body) series. In 1992, when Jeff Kennett was elected the new premier of the State of Victoria, he shortly set about developing Melbourne's profile, and on top of his list was the Australian Grand Prix.
One year after, an agreement was made with Formula One. However, the contract with Adelaide did not expire until 1995, so Kennett had enough time to construct a track, which later on was developed in uniquely beautiful Albert Park. In 1996,Melbourne held the first round of the world championship, which becomes the biggest motorsport event on Australia's calendar today. The Grand Prix is contracted to continue in Melbourne until 2023.
Formula 1 World Drivers' Champions
German driver Michael Schumacher and Australian driver Lex Davison are considered the most successful drivers in the 86-year history of the event winning four titles each, while McLaren has been named the most successful constructor with 12 victories.
In addition, Frenchman Alain Prost is the only driver to win the Australian Grand Prix in both non-championship and World Championship formats, having won the title in 1982, 1986 and 1988. The 2016 Australian Grand Prix, which was won by Nico Rosberg driving for the Mercedes team, retired rapidly after winning the race. This marks the new season to be the first since 1994 in which the reigning champion decided not play and join the race.
Some of the familiar names competing at the 2017 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix include: Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) driving for the Ferrari team, Max Verstappen (Ned) for the Red Bull team, Carlos Sainz (Spa) for the Toro Rosso team, Valtteri Bottas (Fin) for the Mercedes team, Lewis Hamilton (GB) for the Mercedes team, Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) for the Renault team, Sergio Perez (Mex) for the Force India team, Jolyon Palmer (GB) for the Renault team, Lance Stroll (Can) for the Williams team, Romain Grosjean (Fra) for the Haas team, Fernando Alonso (Spa) for the McLaren team and Marcus Ericsson (Swe) for the Sauber team.
Transport Options
For those attending the Grand Prix, the travel time from Melbourne (CBD) to Albert Park is approximately 20 minutes via vehicle. And while it only takes a few minutes to go to the circuit via Melbourne's iconic public transport like trains, trams and buses, renting a car in Melbourne can be a good idea especially if you and your mate want to further explore Melbourne. However, note that there will be no public parking at the circuit and that special permits will be issued to enter selected residential areas near the Grand Prix. Heavy fines await for unauthorised parking or illegally parked vehicles. You may want to park your rental car in the city and simply catch a free express shuttle tram going to the circuit.
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So, have you got your tickets to experience F1 yet? Don't miss out on the fun, book now and get ready to rumble with an adrenaline race car experience!