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| Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit | |
| Location | Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Major events | Formula One; V8 Supercars; Carrera Cup ; Formula Ford |
| Circuit length | 5.30 kilometres (3.30 miles) |
| Turns | 16 |
| Lap record | 1'24.125 ( Michael Schumacher, Ferrari, 2004) |
The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is a street-based circuit around Albert Park Lake, only a couple of kilometres south of Melbourne. It is best-known for holding the opening race of each Formula One season, the Australian Grand Prix.
For a street (or at least "semi-street" - many of the roads have been rebuilt specifically with the Grand Prix in mind) circuit, the track is relatively wide and fast. It is comparatively smooth and offers a few overtaking opportunities. Unfortunately, the flat terrain and the "concrete canyon" safety barriers make it difficult to get a good view of the track except from the grandstands.
While the event itself is immensely popular, many local residents do not appreciate the disruption, noise and money spent (which in their view would be better spent on a permanent racing circuit well away from residents) for the event in their suburb and have continued a seven-year vigil and many other protests against the annual race.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Australian car race tracks Formula One circuits