Australian GP

daniel1985 · 26 Mar 2006, 10:38 (Ref:1561226)

Should be a great race next weekend. Who is going to the race and what parts of the track do you guys think are best for spectators at Albert Park

Sodemo · 26 Mar 2006, 12:23 (Ref:1561307)

Probably either the first corner or the second / third / fourth corner complex, there is a chance you may see some overtaking there, if you're really lucky.

Menelaos · 26 Mar 2006, 12:57 (Ref:1561328)

overtaking? if you drive there you're probably gonna see some overtaking until you get there. I wouldn't expect much on track however

But this time Kimi's luck has got to change!!! FOR ONCE

Knowlesy · 26 Mar 2006, 13:19 (Ref:1561341)

Well if he doesn't drive into Klien, then it should be OK.

I expect Ferrari will be stronger at Melbourne......but my money is on one of the McLarens taking the laurels.

Menelaos · 26 Mar 2006, 13:40 (Ref:1561351)

I believe McLaren will win this race, if everything goes ok. The risk of being taken out is the price you pay for qualifying with heavy fuel loads.

maltafan · 26 Mar 2006, 18:39 (Ref:1561477)

If it has to be Mc Larens, then Kimi for sure. I 've seen some lack of motivation from Montoya this year.

**Bononi** · 26 Mar 2006, 18:46 (Ref:1561482)

Well. I think everybody will be racing. At least, more than any of us. It should be a nice race, Melbourne usually produces a lot of excitement.

Menelaos · 26 Mar 2006, 19:37 (Ref:1561529)

+1

Knowlesy · 26 Mar 2006, 19:41 (Ref:1561530)

The main thing that generated excitement at Melbourne for me was the fact it was the season opener.

Will be interesting to see how it 'feels' as the third race on the calendar.

I hope no different!

Menelaos · 26 Mar 2006, 19:50 (Ref:1561539)

it should be alright, it's a great track.

Kirk · 27 Mar 2006, 00:00 (Ref:1561744)

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowlesy

The main thing that generated excitement at Melbourne for me was the fact it was the season opener.

Will be interesting to see how it 'feels' as the third race on the calendar.

I hope no different!

Good point. It's easy being the 1st race on the schedule, it's not quite so easy being third. But its still early and this year is somewhat unique with the precarious V8 situation that has teams scrambling a bit; there are still many unknowns going in to Australia.

I haven't checked the forecast, but chances it are it will be cooler than past years, which will change setups and make things even less predictable.

daniel1985 · 27 Mar 2006, 00:05 (Ref:1561746)

Looks like we will get rain at some stage during the weekend which always makes F1 more exciting. Could be good for Schumacher if it does rain.

ATF · 27 Mar 2006, 09:03 (Ref:1562086)

It will be between McLaren and Renault, well Kimi and Alonso. Maybe Webber could sneak a podium?!

shambles · 27 Mar 2006, 11:07 (Ref:1562193)

Hmm, it's a close call again. Despite Renault's near-dominance in Sepang, I wouldn't plop all my pennies on them to win again this weekend. Obviously, I feel they're one of the teams with a shout, but Ferrari I feel will be really strong in Melbourne; a track I love.

Skam85 · 27 Mar 2006, 11:21 (Ref:1562209)

I will be there, sitting on the main straight in the Fangion stand. Renault will definitely be strong, as will Williams and Ferrari. Last year, both McLaren and Honda (BAR) were painfully slow, so it will be interesting to see how they go.

I hoping for a wet race, with Webber on the podium!

Splatz the Cow · 27 Mar 2006, 14:59 (Ref:1562388)

Not sure I can agree with Menaleos that it is a great track, because I hate it and think it is worse then the Hungaroring or Sachsenring. Also I don't think it makes for good races. Take away the weather, holiday atmosphere and razzamatazz-sideshows-of entertainment, and there's not much left.

With a wet race I think this will be pretty obvious, and it could become a nightmare with crashes and no passing.

But at least if its wet we will see which tyre manufacturer is better in the wet this year, and maybe find out if any of the toddlers can bring the technology back in one piece, and maybe steal some silverware from the big boys of the F1 playground.

One of the standouts of the weekend will be the fly-overs by the RAAF with either an F-111 or F/A-18, and the possible appearance of a burnt-out second rate celebrity or ex-Neighbours starlet from the Eighties - like I said; a burnt-out second rate celebrity!

The BEST thing, about this Melbourne GP, is that it is the first time we will have a proper competitive race where more than 3 or 4 cars are in with a chance of victory right from the start of the weekend.

My tip is for either Montoya or Alonso to win.
Montoya is good at this track as it rewards his aggressive style, of on/off throttle application.
Alonso because he is in form in the best car at the moment, and is relaxed and confident.

In the wet I think Webber is a dark horse, however I also think that he is an underated outsider with a chance at the win!

Suze · 27 Mar 2006, 18:03 (Ref:1562538)

I'm going for the McLaren, and Kimi for this one....

marzF1rocks · 27 Mar 2006, 20:09 (Ref:1562636)

Melbourne has always the greatest to produce great action from the start line, something is bound to go down i cant wait

billyblister · 27 Mar 2006, 20:52 (Ref:1562693)

if its a wet race I think Klien for podium (given a few bumps)

cmifsud · 28 Mar 2006, 04:54 (Ref:1562991)

If itsa wet race, I say the Bridegstone teams are in with a huge shot with their legendary intermediate tyre