So, we’ve previewed the new F1 season as a whole, and now it’s time to take a closer look at the opening race: the always entertaining Australian GP. Aussie race fans go crazy once the Formula 1 roadshow rolls into town and this year’s contest promises to be as dramatic as they come.
On the 27th March, the preparation comes to an end and the racing starts in earnest. Will McLaren have sorted themselves out in time? Will Ferrari make a statement of intent, or will Red Bull put everybody else in their place from the beginning?
Nobody knows how things are going to pan out by the time 58 furious laps have been run, this Sunday afternoon, but it’s sure to be eventful and Karting Nation will definitely be strapped to our sofas, taking every corner and powering down every straight.
All eyes have been on Australia since it was announced that the original season opener, the Bahrain race had been called off due to the ongoing anti-government protests taking place within the country. F1 followers have had to wait a week longer for their first racing fix of the year, but now that wait is very nearly over.
The Quantas Australian Grand Prix takes place at Albert Park. The whole circuit lies within the park and is a smooth, flowing drive with no 90 degree street corners to tackle. This is sure to make for a fast and exciting showdown.
Last year, McLaren man Jenson Button took victory from fourth position on the starting grid to secure back to back Australian GP wins. He’ll be looking for a magic number 3 this year.
Thus far, the only driver to win 3 Australian GP’s in a row is Michael Schumacher. The German racing legend has 4 in total and he’ll be looking to help Mercedes to some early season points, and maybe even help himself to a fifth title.
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have also enjoyed victory in recent years, while driver’s champion Sebastian Vettel will be chasing his first chequered flag on this leg of the tour following his supreme 2010 season.
Top spot on the grid has romped to victory 5 times out of the last 7 races, here, so qualifying runs are sure to be hotly contested this year too. But there’ll be plenty of talking points throughout the course of the race, while the driver’s get to grips with their new vehicles, and in particular those Pirelli tyres.
Breathtaking scenery and outstanding action, the Quantas Australian Grand Prix 2011 is guaranteed to be a fantastic spectacle.
If you want to learn more about the world’s premier motor sport visit the official Formula 1 website.
For a wheel spinning, wild ride of your own drop by the Karting Nation website and book a Go-Kart Grand Prix at any of our magnificent racetracks around the UK. Perfect for a team building day, corporate event, or fun with your friends and family.