On getting our tickets and getting in, we walk towards the track and are greeted by a crash that stops the race! I wasn't really sure what had happened - just saw a yellow bit of car fly up in front of me!
As with the MOTOGP I'm probably not the best person to be writing about this, but we saw races throughout the day starting with little minis, through the V8s and finally the Formula 1 cars, which what can I say.....are loud! Luckily we'd all bought a Grand Prix Survival Kit, which had ear plugs in it - and oh yes did we need them!
Incase you're interested:
The circuit uses everyday sections of road that circle Albert Park Lake, a small man-made lake just south of the Central Business District of Melbourne. The road sections that are used were rebuilt prior to the inaugural event in 1996 to ensure consistency and smoothness. As a result, compared to other circuits that are held on public roads, the Albert Park track has quite a smooth surface. Before 2007 there existed only a few other places on the Formula 1 calendar with a body of water close to the track.
The course is considered to be quite fast and relatively easy to drive, with drivers having commented that the consistent placement of corners allows them to easily learn the circuit and achieve competitive times. However, the flat terrain around the lake, coupled with a track design that features few true straights, means that the track is not conducive to overtaking or easy spectating unless in possession of a grandstand seat.
And the result:
As in Bahrain, Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull were the fastest combination in Melbourne. But as in Bahrain, mechanical failure meant the win escaped them. Instead it was Jenson Button and McLaren who did the best job of capitalising on their rivals’ misfortune in some very difficult conditions. A stunning drive from Robert Kubica brought Renault an unexpected podium, and Felipe Massa struck back in his battle with Ferrari team mate Fernando Alonso, beating the Spaniard to third place.
Jenson Button, P1
Lewis Hamilton, P6
When Button entered the pit lane on lap six and found it soaking wet he believed he had made a catastrophic error of judgment in coming in so soon to switch from intermediate to soft Bridgestone tyres, and an off on his out lap did little to change that feeling. But by lap eight the track conditions came to him and when Vettel retired on the 20th lap the way was clear for the world champion to storm home to his first victory for McLaren, at only the second attempt. Hamilton drove like a hero after getting delayed in Button’s brief clash with Alonso, but was furious when the decision was taken to make a second tyre stop which cost him any chance of victory. Subsequent attack by Webber ended his hopes of a really good points score. McLaren, however, move to second place overall with 54 points.
Yes I did copy that from the Formula 1 web site! All I know is that it was an amazing day with a great atmosphere and to top it all a Brit won! And then there were the obligatory photos on the track........
Oh, and it was a bit mucky.....
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