February 16, 1996. Copyright, 1996, Graphic News. All rights reserved

MELBOURNE MOTORS UP FOR F1
By Russell Lewis

LONDON February 16, Graphic News - When the new Formula 1 season blasts off in Melbourne on March 10, it does so on a completely new circuit, designed and built from the bottom up, employing the latest techniques and technology in its design and construction.
Albert Park, which comprises 225 hectares of open parkland, is one of a network of 14 parks surrounding Melbourne. The new racing circuit is just part of a large-scale redevelopment within the park that includes comprehensive upgrading of the environment as a priority. Staging the race will provide a major attraction for people interested in the general concentration of recreational facilities. Activities open to the public include sailing, rowing, power-boating and model yacht racing.
Of the two main challenges facing the designers of the race track, speed has been the main consideration Ð both of F1 cars and the demands they place on track surfaces, and the timescale for construction.
When cornering, Formula 1 cars produce a ÔpluckingÕ effect on the road beneath the hot, sticky tyres, putting enormous strains on the surface. To cope with this, the track needed to have good lateral abilities as well as outright strength. The other main concern was drainage, the biggest single cause of road failure, and one of the most expensive areas of construction.
Building the circuit from scratch, constructors have been able to build up a complex layering and drainage system to meet all the demands that will be made on it, including its role as a public highway for the other 360 days of the year Ð legislation forbids any form of motor racing in the park other than the Grand Prix.
Although the circuit has yet to be raced on, computer simulations from Formula 1 teams suggest lap times of around 1 minute 35 seconds, which equates to average speeds of almost 125mph / 200kmh. Peak speeds are expected to be around 175mph / 300kmh.
There have been two previous Grands Prix staged in Albert Park, in 1953 and 1956 which were run on a similar circuit but the Ôwrong way roundÕ Ð anti-clockwise. These earlier events saw fastest laps of 2m 3secs and 1m 52.2 secs, respectively Ð the latter recorded by Stirling Moss in a Maserati 250F, lapping at 100.23mph / 161.30kmh.
Former McLaren star and veteran of more than 150 Grands Prix, John Watson, believes the layout of the circuit will provide Ôstimulation and excitementÕ for both drivers and spectators alike, with its wide, well-surfaced track, high-speed and ample overtaking opportunities.
The 30,000 tonnes of asphalt that make up the top surface have been meticulously prepared and rolled out, and the track shows a deviation of less than 3mm over any given 4-metre straight measures. This has been achieved by constant level checking and correction during construction.
Safety, as always, has been uppermost in the planning of the circuit. Although gravel beds allow run-off areas to be shortened by stopping cars in half the normal distance, Melbourne has kept them at full-length. The actual areas of the gravel beds are determined by the expected approach and cornering speeds, and Ôstopping devicesÕ Ð concrete walls topped by grid-mesh debris fencing Ð have been carefully installed to protect drivers and spectators without impeding view.
In contrast to AdelaideÕs temporary steel construction which took around four months each year to erect, and was in fact offered for sale to Melbourne, the pit complex has been purpose built. For the Grand Prix weekend, the building will be partitioned to create the garages, with a false floor installed above them to accommodate the worldÕs media. The roof will be used as an additional media terrace, offering some spectacular views of the circuit. With partitions and flooring removed, the building becomes a multi-role sports hall for the remainder of the year, staging indoor cricket among its many activities.
Albert Park promises some spectacular racing on its 5.269km circuit Ð one of the longest in Formula 1 Ð and a great start to a new season as multi-million dollar hopes and ambitions are finally put to the test.

SOURCES: Melbourne Grand Prix Corporation, Tyrrell Yamaha, Renault Sport, FIA