Revisions to the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix have drastically changed the nature of the track, say Alpine’s drivers.
Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri, who is from Melbourne, said lap times at the circuit are “going to be a lot quicker than the old layout” this year.
“I don’t know how much quicker the lap times will be but I’ve driven the circuit on the simulator and it’s significantly quicker,” said Piastri.
Several corners have been widened which should allow for higher cornering speeds. But the most dramatic change has been made at the former turns nine and 10, which have been bypassed on the new layout.
“[On] the back section where they’ve removed the chicane, it’s now basically a massive straight leading into the right hander,” said Piastri. Drivers will therefore approach the quick left-right chicane which follows having accelerated all the way from the widened turn six.
“There could be some interesting…