The Melbourne Racing Circuit - also commonly known as Fosters @ Albert Park within the F1 followers is categorised as a medium-fast circuit. The drivers can touch a top speed of around 305 kmph (190mph) and an average lap speed of 220 kph (137mph). The length of the circuit is 5.3km (3.3mi). So, obviously its one of the longer circuits in the F1 competition. With 16 corners, several chicanes and one straight-away. The pit stop lane opens on the straight which can offer spectators some high speed action and tight overtaking manoeuvres.

Drivers complete a total distance of 307.574km (192.23mi). As I was mentioning earlier, the trackhas long curves and a very measures layout. This only leaves room for action in a few long straights. So, the overall overtaking and most of the overtaking action takes place at the end of the pit straight, which again is a very unique feature of albert park where the pit opens on the straight.

The surface is quite smooth. It also has a reasonable grip on the track. So, drivers use a lot of brakes and down thrust. As the tyres tend to wear , the team typically looks for quick tyre changes in their pit stop to have an extra plus.

Except for the races, the track is used as a proper commuter road, Its located near Melbourne city centre. It is within walking distance of the Melbourne CBD and even closer to the trendy suburb of St. Kilda.

Being a city track, viewing is slightly different from specially built tracks. The insider tip is to try to get a seat on Brocky's Hill, which is in the general admissions area of the circuit. From here, it is possible to see three corners in one shot.

Some Vital statistics
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Name: Fosters Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park, Melbourne

Started Operations : 1996

Lap Details: 58 laps covering 307.574km (192.23 mi) with each lap of 5.303km (3.295mi)

Fastest Pole Qualifying Record: M.Schumacher 1:24:408

Fastest Lap : M.Schumacher 1:24:215

No Of Grand Prix Held: 10

As I mentioned, I’ll post history of the very known Ferrari next. Till then C ya!!

- Sumit Rajwade.

Renault team's mid-1977 entry to Formula 1 is famous for the first attempt to take advantage of 3-litre engine formula (introduced in 1966)and a provision for supercharged engines of half that capacity. With an engine adapted from an existing V6 sportscar unit, the French outfit brought turbo-charging into the sport for the first time.

Development was entrusted to Jean-Pierre Jabouille,The first Renault had problems with throttle lag, and was - “unreliable”. The first type burnt was at Silverstone by Jabouille in 1977, but it wasn't until the second last race of 1978 that the car could run without any trouble. Jabouille was fourth at Watkins Glen, in the United States, taking the Renault first time on the scoreboard.

In 1979, Renault run a two-car team, René Arnoux was the man who drove with Jabouille. The cars took pole positions 6 times. This pointed to one fact - Turbos were the future. Jabouille finally scored Renault's first win at the home town race in Dijon.

1980 was a breakthrough year for Renault. Arnoux started it with two wins in three events, and proved himself among the fastest drivers around, as the car became more and more reliable.

1981 was the year of mega following with other teams starting to switch to turbos. Ferrari was the first one to follow the footprints led by Renault. And the “Turbo revolution” took life.

By 1982 Renault claimed that they have the fastest car around- and they were bloody right.Though the title went to Williams-Cosworth, the turbos is what started to rule the trackes there after.

In 1983, Renault expanded their operation to supply the V6 turbo engine to Lotus, and both Ligier and Tyrrell were added to the fold in the next two years.

For 1984 and 1985 witnessed a downfall of Renault. The emerging star ofcourse was McLarens who were creating and recreating their own records. The Renault team felt - “Its time to call it a day. So, QUIT F1″.

Between 1986 and 2002, Renault built engines with others for others to race the tracks. They gave birth to a v10 engine by teaming up with the Williams team and its become a standard in F1. Within first 11 years, Renault could pickup 4 driver’s titles and 1 more by teaming up with Benetton.

In 2002, Renault came up with its very own Formula 1 team for the first time in seventeen years and, with several fourth places scored throughout the season, its potential was obvious.

2002
Renault 4th; 23 pts
Jenson Button 7th; 14 pts
Jarno Trulli 8th; 9 pts

2003
Renault 4th; 88 pts
Fernando Alonso 6th; 55 pts
Jarno Trulli 8th; 33 pts

2004
Renault 3rd; 105 pts
Fernando Alonso 4th; 59 pts
Jarno Trulli 6th; 46 pts

2005
Renault 1st; 191 pts (World Champions)
Fernando Alonso 1st; 133 pts (World Champion - 7 wins)
Giancarlo Fisichella 5th; 58 pts (1 Win)

And Renault All Time
Races : 192
Wins : 25
Pole Positions : 43
Fastest Laps : 22
Points : 719

We will cover Ferrari in the next session, till then — enjoy Australia!

- Sumit Rajwade.

Heard this? The bodywork of Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari had rival Formula One teams fuming on Sunday at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Eight of the eleven teams protested against the upper forward element of the seven-time champion's front wing, which they said, was in breach of rules.

In a letter to the stewards before the race at Sepang, they warned that they would protest against the German’s car ‘unless suitable actions are taken ahead of the race’.

But none of that happened; maybe, because the German could only place sixth after starting 14^thon the grid.

Doubts had been raised about the Ferrari's rear wing at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix the previous week.

Alright, so Sepang’s given us another Blue victory. Lets quickly recap the points situation:

Alonso: 18; Schumacher: 11; Button: 11; Fisichella: 10; Montoya: 9; Raikkonen: 6.

This is the closest season in ages. Yes, the Renaults are the fastest. But everyone else is damn close: Ferrari, Honda, McLaren - all fast cars. And all Rosberg and Webber demonstrated in Qualifying on Saturday, the Williams isn’t far behind. And pretty much every team looks capable of holding their own in an on-track skirmish.

With every race position up for grabs, this will mean a hard-fought season where every point scraped together is vital. Every retirement means devastation, and each consistent finish is crucially rewarded.

Fernando’s raced ahead, and while it is true that it is too early on in the season to start thinking about a Champion, things are looking really bad for Raikkonen: 6 points from two races, trailing his teammate, and a car that looks characteristically unreliable.

Can the flying Finn catch up? Sure, but it looks slim.

– Raja Sen

So Bahrain was unexpectedly brilliant, eh?

And while I might have gone overboard in praising Nico Rosberg, I think the 20-year-old has a lot to fight for.

Sepang’s almost here, and the race is hotting up. Apparently, the Williams cars are burning up the timesheets in the practise sessions. Hmm. Does that mean another good race for the Bridgestones?

And Fernando Alonso has acknowledged that the new Ferrari and its tires make him sweat considerably.

Lets see what Michael does in Qualifying tomorrow. Unfortunately, Felipe Massa, who led a great charge in Quali last race, has had an engine failure and will be penalised 10 places from his Qualifying time in Sepang. Can he make his way up the field aggressively enough?

As we know, that’s something Kimi Raikonnen can do. McLaren, with both drivers finishing in the points, will be looking at a higher place on the podium come Sunday.

But guys, tell me: doesn’t Juan Pablo Montoya really seem like a spent force now?

– Raja Sen