Australian GP – Many Variables for a Great Show

The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne is a strange mix, consisting of a permanent track and a temporary urban section. This results in a particularly interesting variety of corners and a surface that evolves constantly throughout the Grand Prix weekend. Car setup presents a real challenge made all the more complicated by the fact that the 16 corners on the circuit are almost all different from one another, each presenting the driver with a new challenge.

Aerodynamics:

Albert Park is on par with Silverstone and Sepang when it comes to aerodynamics and requires a medium to high level of downforce. The fast, critical corners are few but demanding.

With the introduction of the adjustable front wing flap, drivers will be able to adjust the angle up to 6 degrees twice per lap (once to change the angle and a second time to return the flap to the initial angle). The system could be used to adjust the car between two corners or to help the driver follow another car more closely.

A number of particularly fast corners, such as corners 11 and 12, might be the most demanding of the circuit. A high level of downforce should enable drivers to have a good exit from the slow corners, allowing for good acceleration on the straight.

Suspensions:

A car that remains stable during quick direction changes will be an asset in the series of corners at Albert Park. Therefore, it is necessary to opt for a rather firm suspension setup while also being sufficiently flexible to ensure good stability over the curbs and during braking; an eternal compromise that team engineers must adhere to in order to guarantee a performing and safe package.

Brakes:

The Melbourne circuit is among the most demanding tracks for the braking system with six braking points over 300 km/h. It is not the severity of these braking points but their frequency that makes the Australian exercise particularly difficult. The track can be bumpy in places but nothing too dramatic; a soft car setup will prevent wheel locking during heavy braking.

Tires.

Considering the fact that it is a partly non-permanent circuit, the track will likely be very dirty at the start of the week and will gradually rubber in over the course of the practice sessions. This year sees the introduction of slick tires, and the teams will focus on the performance of the super-soft and medium slick tires from the Bridgestone Potenza range during free practice. The often high temperatures at the Albert Park circuit will play a crucial role in the choice of tire type that the drivers will prefer to use.

Engine:

Melbourne challenges the V8 engines with nearly 66% of the lap at full throttle. The secret to a good lap does not rely so much on top speed but rather on good acceleration to enable strong exits from the slow corners that lead onto the long straights.

According to a statement from the Renault F1 Team