Sport

F1 Grand Prix excitement revs up

The 2015 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated in recent memory and much of the excitement can be attributed to the emergence of the hometown hero Daniel Ricciardo.

The 25-year old Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver enjoyed a breakout 2014 season, which included victories at the Canadian, Hungarian and Belgian Grands Prix. Ricciardo finished third in the overall standings at the end of the season behind Mercedes pair, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

The Australian Grand Prix is always met with great anticipation as it is the opening race of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. But this event has added spice particularly given Ricciardo was controversially disqualified from the 2014 race after initially finishing second.

Ricciardo and his local fans will be hoping he can go one better during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, which will be held at the Albert Park race track during March 12-15.

Tickets and packages are now available for all days of the Grand Prix. There are multiple, flexible packages which offer Formula 1 fans greater choice. As well as general admission and premium zone passes, patrons can elect to purchase grandstand tickets, which provides the ultimate view of the race track.

As well as nail-biting excitement on the track, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is famous for its family-friendly off-track entertainment including car displays, exhibitions, demonstrations, music and fly-overs. It is great fun for the whole family regardless of which day you attend.

Talking Points

As we approach the 2015 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, we decided to list the five talking points that have taken our interest ahead of the Formula 1 World Championship and the Australian Grand Prix.

Rules and Regulations

As is always the case, from season to season there are variations in the rules and regulations that govern the Formula 1 World Championship. Changes for the 2015 season include:

  • Increased minimum weight to 702kg.
  • A virtual safety car has been introduced, which will enable a race to be neutralised without needing to deploy the safety car itself.
  • Double points for the final race of the season have been removed.
  • Race stewards have the option to enforce 10 second penalties, in addition to 5 second penalties, for minor infringements.
  • Front and Rear Interconnected Suspension (FRIS) has been formally outlawed.
  • Drivers must proceed slowly into the pit lane, rather than back onto the starting grid, in the event of a race suspension.

Mercedes Dominance

The Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg appeared to be unstoppable at times during the 2014 season. Repeating their one-two finish will be a tough ask with Aussie hopeful Daniel Ricciardo breathing down their necks. The team dynamic of Hamilton and Rosberg was fascinating throughout the previous season so it will be interesting to see if the duo’s intense rivalry is a derailing factor in 2015.

Driver Changes

Ricciardo’s former stable-mate, Sebastian Vettel, has left Infiniti Red Bull Racing for Ferrari. Can the four-time World Champion revitalise Ferrari’s flagging fortunes? In 2014, Ferrari recorded no race wins and just two podium finishes – a long way short of the lofty standards it has achieved previously. The Italian Formula 1 giant will be hoping Vettel – along with Kimi Raikkonen – can re-establish Ferrari’s dominance.

Honda is Back

The man who Vettel replaced at Ferrari, Fernando Alonso, has found a new home at McLaren-Honda. The return of Honda to Formula 1 racing as engine supplier to McLaren has drawn comparisons to the golden era when the partnership generated multiple titles for Formula One legends Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The British team coupled with the Japanese engine was one of the fiercest combinations during the 80s and 90s, but can they recreate their incredible success in 2015 and beyond?

Off-track Entertainment

The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix has developed a reputation for matching the off-track entertainment with the on-track excitement. As well as loads of classic car displays, demonstrations, fly-overs and exhibitions, the Grand Prix has been able to secure fantastic entertainment acts to keep the party going long after the engines have been switched off. The off-track entertainment will be formalised shortly – watch this space!

The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will be held from March 12-15 at the Albert Park race track. Click here to purchase general admission tickets, grandstand passes or corporate hospitality packages now.