Australian GP F1 track to change layout in bid to boost overtaking

This year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in November will be staged on a revised version of the Albert Park circuit with changes being made in the hope of improving overtaking.

With the Australian Grand Prix moved from its traditional curtain-raiser slot in March to 21 November due to the country imposing strict coronavirus travel and quarantine restrictions, the Albert Park circuit will take the opportunity of having extra time to prepare for the event by making some major changes.

The circuit revamp is being completed with the aim of addressing long-held criticisms from drivers, team bosses, and fans that the current layout does not allow for many clear-cut overtaking opportunities.

Following the completion of the opening phase of the redevelopment - which saw the pitlane widened by two metres and the pitwall repositioned closer to the track - work on the layout changes is set to begin on Monday next week.

The biggest revision will see the Turn 9-10 complex significantly altered, with the heavy braking zone set to be completely removed and opened out into a faster sweep, increasing entry speeds to the left-right kink of Turns 11-12.

Turn 13 will also be re-profiled with added camber in a bid to promote more overtaking opportunities into the braking zone of the corner.

Work on this area of the circuit - which will result in faster lap times - is expected to be completed by July.

The third and final phase of the project will see a complete resurfacing of the circuit take place for the first time since 1995.

This will occur after November’s race, should it go ahead, and will be completed in time for the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, which is expected to resume its traditional March slot on the calendar.