Track: Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit
Number of Laps: 58
Circuit Length: 3.3 miles (5.3km)
Race Length: 190.1 miles (307.6km)
Start Time: 05:00 GMT
Fastest Lap: 1:23.529 (Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing-Renault, 2011, Q3)
Fastest Race Lap: 1:24.125 (Michael Schumacher, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, 2004)
2015 Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG Petronas, 1:26.327, Soft Tyres
2015 Race Winner: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG Petronas
Tyre Compounds: Super soft, Soft, Medium, Intermediate, Wet
First F1 Championship Grand Prix (Country): 1985
First F1 Championship Grand Prix (Circuit): 1996
Most Wins: Michael Schumacher (4), McLaren (12 including Adelaide, 6 at Melbourne – tied with Ferrari)
Formula One is finally back! Although it has been one of the shortest winter breaks in the sport’s recent history, it still seems like an age since the chequered flag fell at Abu Dhabi.
For the 19th time in 21 years, the season opener is at Melbourne. The street circuit is a popular track amongst drivers and fans alike and there is always a large spectator attendance at the race.
The new tyre, qualifying and radio regulations for 2016 mean that there is a lot to look forward to ahead of the new season, as well as seeing how the three rookies perform in their maiden weekends as official Formula One drivers.
In 2015, new team Haas declared they wanted to score a point on their début. After a troubled second week of testing, we will see if the hotly-anticipated American outfit will be able to achieve their goal.
Read Motorsport will of course have reaction from all of the teams and drivers over the weekend, so make sure you keep up to date with the latest goings on in the Formula One world.
