[KkJvrG4d]

Hi Racefans,

a few years ago I used to initiate a thread here on the progress of the Aust F1GP as added atmosphere to the upcoming GP Season. As you can see I'm back, however this time I've added pictures to the Australian GP countdown.

Simply click on the thumbnails to enlarge. I'll be updating photos as construction continues at the Melbourne circuit. Please feel free to add any Aust GP News or your Melbourne '08 photos to this thread also.

Enjoy,

AP


2 Feb 08 - Looking north over Albert Park Lake to Turn 11


2 Feb 08 - Looking north toward turn 12


2 Feb 08 - Approaching Turn 14


2 Feb 08 - Approaching Turn 15


2 Feb 08 - Pit Entry

[KkJvrG4d]

2 Feb 08 - Onto Main Straight


2 Feb 08 - Pit Complex


2 Feb 08 - Just past Pit Exit. Future site of Food & Refreshments complex.


2 Feb 08 - Turn 1

[TolleyBoymn]

It looks really weird without the walls and grandstands and stuff.

[KkJvrG4d]

2 Feb 08 - Approaching Turn 3


2 Feb 08 - Looking toward Turn 4 (On past the parked cars).


2 Feb 08 - Turn 5


2 Feb 08 - Out of Turn 5 toward Turn 6

39 Days to Go.......

[TolleyBoymn]

They should race with the traffic islands approaching turn 3. Would make it more fun

[TaliaJack]

I would like to see them race with all the traffic still on the road. Make sure you look both ways before crossing the road kiddies

[WumibBesowe]

I would like to see them race with all the traffic still on the road. Make sure you look both ways before crossing the road kiddies

I think the old Spa circuit on public roads would be a little more hairy if there was traffic

[Flatlytaize]

The place is being converted into Guantanamo and I can't understand why anyone thinks it's great viewing. Large swathes have been fenced off from the grass lawns where Benny, my Long Haired Chihuahua used to run happily.
The contractors moved in some 3 weeks ago already, and that means the park will not return to normal again till end of April earliest - some three and a half months, maybe more.

Riding a bicycle there in the next three months will become increasingly unpleasant.

[WumibBesowe]

The place is being converted into Guantanamo and I can't understand why anyone thinks it's great viewing.

Yep. One thing that no track has (from the drivers onboard) is pleasing aesthetics.

[Flatlytaize]

Yep. One thing that no track has (from the drivers onboard) is pleasing aesthetics.

Sounds like the Volvo philosophy:"you can't see the styling from inside the car"

[fotodemujerahldesnugdo]

Valve...

I know how much you love to hate the Australian Grand Prix...

no matter how much money it loses or how much grief it puts on locals...

Its great to have a home Grand Prix.

[inve.tment]

Great to see the return of AP's race build-up Recent seasons haven't been the same without it

[KkJvrG4d]

Hi ya Arrows, it's great to see some 'ol faces still here

I'll post some more updated 'construction' pictures here later today.

[Flatlytaize]

Hi ya Arrows, it's great to see some 'ol faces still here

I'll post some more updated 'construction' pictures here later today.

Yeah!! Gitmo is all encompassing. And we are still 5 bloody weeks from the race.

[Oxzzlvpg]

I can't wait for the F1 season to begin it's one of the best motorsports in the world

[DumbNelmcrece]

A welcome return for this thread

Not only is it informative, it makes the season feel that little bit closer

[pataagusata]

The place is being converted into Guantanamo and I can't understand why anyone thinks it's great viewing. Large swathes have been fenced off from the grass lawns where Benny, my Long Haired Chihuahua used to run happily.
The contractors moved in some 3 weeks ago already, and that means the park will not return to normal again till end of April earliest - some three and a half months, maybe more.

Riding a bicycle there in the next three months will become increasingly unpleasant.

Remember back before the GP was at Albert Park Lake?

I do! We used to have a BBQ there with the car club every year. We got a letter saying we couldn't use the venue though because the smell was not suitable.

It was a mess... an absolute mess! When the GP moved in the park was instantly upgraded to the picturesque paradise it is now. It's stunning. I drive through it often on the way home just for the view and to have a look around.

And Valve... it's not taken out of play for 3 and a half months as you had it. It's about 2 months. They have been slowly puting things up and yesterday was the first day of restricted traffic through the park. That said, traffic during peak hour will still travel through.

It's about 2 months the park is taken out of play due to the GP. But, with that said I believe it's a small price to pay. 2 months out of 12 and the other 10 months the Grand Prix corporation and the government ensure the park is a paradise for all to enjoy.

As I said, don't forget what the park 'used' to look like before it was the venue of the worlds premier motorsports event.

[yK2VgoEI]

A welcome return for this thread

Not only is it informative, it makes the season feel that little bit closer

And a welcome back to the creator of this thread too

[KkJvrG4d]

Hi Pino, Dave, Arrows et al,

sorry guys but I've got to bail out of here. I just got told that I'll be leaving tomorrow to work in Sydney for the next 12+ months. I'll be coming back to Melbourne for the week of the GP, but I won't be able to submit any more photos or progress stories as I have done in the past. Sorry.

Let's hope some other local Melbournians can submit some photos here and keep the thread alive. I'll drop in here for a look after I get settled in at Sydney.

PS: The debate whether the Aust F1GP should be at Albert Park or not has been raging for years. As an F1 enthusiast I absolutely love the Albert Park circuit, however I'm not a local. I live some 16kms east of the track therefore I'm not exposed to the 'disruptions' around that area during the set up of and during the GP.

But there's no denying the excitement, the glamour, the carnivale atmosphere, and the plain 'ol fun that me and my group enjoy each year there. And I'll readily admit that I'm selfish about it. Yes I want my Formula One, and I want it in my City, and the Aussies do a damn good job of organising it too. It's a full on program of on-track and off-track events, activities, and races at a GREAT location for the entire 4 days. I do feel somewhat for the locals,...but as I said,....I'm selfish.

All the Best,

AP

[pataagusata]

I'll try and add a few updates to this thread when I can. I live in Southbank which is only a stones throw from Albert Park.

The difficulty is that they've now closed the circuit and it's only available during peak-hour traffic which, obviously, I'd wanna be as far away as possible from!