'Up to five seconds per lap faster' on new Australian Grand Prix circuit

The renovation of the Albert Park circuit has been completed almost three months before the Australian Grand Prix, Speedcafe.com reports. It's an important and final milestone in the major renovation of the circuit. Sunday, April 10, will mark the first time since 2019 that Formula 1 will race in Australia.

Andrew Westacott, managing director of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, is delighted with the rebuilding of the circuit which has taken a total of four to five years. According to Westacott, everything is coming together at the perfect time, just before Formula One comes back to Australia for the first time in three years.

The renewal of the circuit consisted of three phases. The first phase involved widening the pit lane by two meters, the second phase consisted of geometric work around the track with the removal of the chicane at Lakeside Drive, and the third phase was the new layer of asphalt over the circuit.

According to Westacott, the changes are going to make a lot of difference. "The cars will probably be four or five seconds a lap faster," he said. It is also hoped that the changes to the circuit will allow for more overtaking opportunities. With the wider pit lane, the organisation hopes that the speed limit will go from 60 to 80 kilometers per hour, which in turn will provide more strategic options for the teams.