Australian GP preview - statistics and trivia.

The Australian Grand Prix is one of the most popular venues on the F1 World Championship calendar - here you can find out everything you need to know from track records to the best places to eat and a lot, lot more...

"Melbourne has a terrific atmosphere and Albert Park is fun to drive. As you go rocketing past the pits, there is a blur of waving flags and banners in the green and yellow national colours of Australia." - Jenson Button.

1. Track:

Length: 5.303 km
Number of Corners: 16
Race lap record: Michael Schumacher, 1m28.214s, set in 2001
Maximum speed: 185 mph on start/finish straight

Testing factor: The circuit, which runs around the Albert Park lake, is only used for a few weekends of racing during the year, so it can be difficult to find grip in the early practice sessions.

History: The circuit was first developed in 1953 but, after intermittent races, it was left to ruin during the 1960s. It was re-introduced in 1996 when the Australian Grand Prix moved from Adelaide.

2. Driver results at Albert Park:

Most poles: Mika H?kkinen (3 - 1998, 1999, 2000)
Most wins: Michael Schumacher (2 - 2000, 2001)

3. Team results at Albert Park:

Most poles: McLaren (3 - 1998, 1999, 2000)
Most wins: Ferrari (3 - 1999, 2000, 2001)

4. Lookback - Memorable moments:

The vision of Martin Brundle heroically running back to the pits to take a re-start after his airborne Jordan split into two following a dramatic opening-lap crash in 1996.

Jacques Villeneuve leading the race on his Formula One debut in 1996 only to have his hopes dashed by mechanical problems which forced him to give way to the oil-covered car of team-mate Damon Hill.

David Coulthard's controversial decision to stand by a gentleman's agreement and hand over his certain victory to team-mate Mika H?kkinen by waving him by in 1998.

Eddie Irvine's elation on the podium after taking his first Grand Prix victory in 1999 after both McLaren cars were predictably dominant only to break down before the finish.

5. Last year:

Pole: Michael Schumacher, 1m26.892s
Winner: Michael Schumacher, 1hr38m26.533s
Fastest lap: Michael Schumacher, 1m28.214s
Retirements: 8

Roller-coaster: Michael Schumacher flipped his Ferrari in opening practice. "It was just a gentle roll," he said.
Raceday tragedy: Marshal Graham Beveridge was killed after a collision between Ralf Schumacher's Williams and the BAR of Jacques Villeneuve. "We have to find ways of improving safety for those people who are here to look after ours," Michael Schumacher said.

6. Trivia:

The final Australian Grand Prix held in Adelaide, in 1995, attracted a record crowd of 205,000.

Australian Alan Jones, Formula One champion in 1981, is now a member of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation responsible for the running of the race.

Australia's Albert Park is one of only three tracks officially designated as street circuits, the others being Montreal and Monaco.

The Australian Grand Prix first became a world championship event in 1985, when the race took place in Adelaide.

The race organisers have to move 40,000 tonnes of equipment during the weekend at a cost of $16 million (US). There are also 13,000 operational staff working on the event.

7. Trivia 2 - Melbourne Must See/Highlights:

Royal Botanic Garden: among the finest gardens in the world, they are one of Melbourne's best spots. No stranger contrast than English high-tea in the scorching Aussie sun!

Queen Victoria Market: a gastronomical adventure. The market has been on this site for more than 130 years and is a treasured part of Melbourne's heritage.

St Kilda: the seaside location and a murky past make cosmopolitan St Kilda the place to be seen. Not to be missed: cruising by ferry from St Kilda to Williamstown.

Immigration Museums: in this cultural melting pot, it's no surprise to find a museum dedicated to the subject. The recently-opened museum offers a moving historical account of new beginnings in a new land.

8. Trivia 3 - Where to eat:

Langhton's (61 Flinders Lane) - Ultra-modern d?cor. Chef Philippe Mouchel adds a touch of Australian flavour to his modern French style, and the restaurant has an excellent wine list.

Il Bacaro (70 Little Collins St) - The distinctly modern style and simply delicious food are as good as it gets!

Flower Dum (17 Market Lane) - A Chinatown institution. Exquisite food and sumptuous d?cor make it a must, regardless of the hefty bill.

Donovans (40 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda) - Overlooks the bay from the St Kilda foreshore. The wonderful location is complemented by excellent meat and seafood dishes and an impressive wine list.

Caff? e Cucina - Brought a whole new approach and style to Melbourne's caf? culture. Everything from the food to interior of this small, dimly lit restaurant is close to perfection...

9. Trivia 4 - Shopping discovery:

Australia produces some of the world's best surfing equipment and surf/street wear. A couple of places worth visiting are The Melbourne Surf Shop in the Tivoli Arcade, at 249 Bourke St, and Surf Dive 'N' Ski, at 213 Bourke St.

Akubra hats are incredibly popular with travellers and an essential item during summer months. Good city hat shops include City Hatters at 211 Flinders St, and Top Hatters at 259 Collins St.

Aboriginal bark paintings, didgeridoos and other handicrafts from all over the country can be found at the Aboriginal Creations (Shop 3, 50 Bourke St); Aboriginal Handcrafts (130, Little Collins St) and Australias Indigenous Creations (Shop 5, 108 Bourke St)

10. Trivia 5 - Out of hours:

The legendary Esplanade Hotel (11,Upper Esplanade) has free live bands every night. It's also a good place to just sit back with a beer and watch the sun set over the pier.

Bennetts Lane (between Exhibition and Russell Sts) is a quintessential dim, smoke-filled jazz venue, and it's well worth searching out.

The Gin Palace (190, Little Collins St) is the transmutation of a side alley basement into a sophisticated, dimly lit and beautiful furnished New York-style cocktail bar. One killer Martini and you are away!