The new layout at Albert Park is a tantalising proposition for Repco Supercars Championship leader Shane van Gisbergen, with Australia’s leading tin-top category playing a prime supporting role to Formula 1’a return to local shores.
After the cancelled 2020 event, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation moved to modify the circuit to a much faster layout.
These modifications include the widening of Turn 1 to drivers’ right by 2.5m, a camber adjustment to Turn 3 with the corner also widened by 4m to the right. Turn 6 has been widened by 7.5m to the right, while the largest change has been the removal of the Turn 9-10 chicane where another DRS zone is anticipated to be added.
Turn 13 at Ross Gregory Drive and a slight extension of Lakeside Drive is a tighter corner, which has been widened by 3m and a further camber adjustment, while Turn 15 is 3.5m wider, with the camber adjusted.
The final modification is a wider pit lane by 2m.
It’s estimated these changes will slash lap times by 4s, increase the average speed to 251km/h and the world’s best drivers will hit 330km/h.
Having only seen the changes on paper, van Gisbergen is eager to have a crack at the new layout.
“That track looking at the map is going to be epic,” said van Gisbergen after winning three races at Symmons Plains last weekend.
“There are some fast corners that they are saying are easy flat in a Formula 1 car, but not in a Supercar.
“It’s going to be pretty cool there, I think.”
Van Gisbergen overtook Walkinshaw Andretti United’s Chaz Mostert for the Repco Supercars Championship lead at Symmons Plains heading into the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park on April 7-10.