Building the Australian Grand Prix

Building the Australian Grand Prix

It’s hard to forget that Albert Park is a temporary street circuit in the same vein as Monaco or Singapore. Every year it takes a full month to construct the grandstands, barriers, and gravel traps that make up the track, and another two weeks to pull them all down. The transformation that takes place is nothing short of amazing and the parkland looks very different when the Formula One circus is not in town. Most of the year the quiet roads are home to joggers and bike riders and only a few coloured kerbs offer any evidence that a Grand Prix is held there.

The following photos, courtesy of Google Street View, show Albert Park on a regular non-racing day and offer an insight into just how much work goes into preparing the Australian Grand Prix.

Looking down the main straight at Albert Park, otherwise known as Aughtie Drive. The pit buildings are used for indoor sports and conferences during the year.

The entrance to Turns 1 and 2. The run-off area is used as a cricket field.

The straight between Turns 2 and 3.

The braking zone for Turn 3. The Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre is on the left.

The carpark that makes up Turn 4.

The run out of Turn 5 and up towards Turn 6.

Turn 6. Access to regular traffic is limited.

Heading into Turn 9 which acts as a carpark throughout most of the year. The Albert Park Golf Course is on the left.

The picturesque run down Lakeside Drive out the back of the circuit.

The entrance into the fast chicane that makes up Turns 11 and 12. These two corners are tightened for the Grand Prix.

Traffic lights partway down the back straight between Turns 12 and 13.

The entrance to Turn 13. There is a football ground on the outside of the corner.

The run through Turn 14.

Turn 15 and the short run towards the final corner.

Coming out of the final corner and back onto the main straight.

Posted by Martin Porter. - Follow him on twitter @mpondaweb.

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