Melbourne, Australia

	Albert Park
	Address: 220 Albert Park Address: Road, Address: South Melbourne, Address: Victoria, Address: 3205 Australia Laps: 58 Length: 5.302km 1998 Winner: Mika Hakkinen 1999 Winner: Eddie Irvine Lap Record: H-H. Frentzen (1997)

Australia first held an F1 race in 1985 on the streets of Adelaide, which was traditionally seen as a bit of a party at the end of the season. Although only two championships were decided at Adelaide, there were many great battles fought, particularly at the tight hairpin after the long Brabham Straight.

Due to financial and political circumstances in 1995, Melbourne launched a successful bid to stage the Australian Grand Prix, and took over from Adelaide at the start of the 1996 season. The venue was Albert Park, a picturesque track around a lake which, even now, is meeting stiff criticism from protestors who wanted the park left as it was. Despite this, races have continued in Melbourne, and the race contract extends into the new millennium.

The first was won by Damon Hill, who got back-to-back victories in Australia at the end of 1995 and beginning of 1996 seasons. The latter could have seen a debut victory for Jacques Villeneuve, but for an oil leak.

David Coulthard won a tough race in 1997 and McLaren were victorious in a dominant race in 1998, albeit controversial with Coulthard leading until a few laps from the finish, when he allowed Mika Hakkinen through to win, right in front of the packed grandstands.

Copyright © 1999 F1 UK. All Rights Reserved. This site was constructed by Tom Anderson and John Richards.

End