An introduction to the Australian Grand Prix
2008 was the 13th time Melbourne's has hosted an F1 Grand Prix, having hosted the Australian Grand Prix since 1996. The Foster's Australian Grand Prix kicks off the F1 season, transforming the suburban Albert Park into a world-class F1 racing track in a matter of days. For a few days each year a platoon of construction workers and volunteers change a mundane commuter road into a 5.3km (3.3mi) F1 racing circuit, which attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, making the race and incredible inner-city party!
Located just three kilometres from the city centre, Albert Park is 225 hectare parkland boasting a range of recreational and sporting facilities. Originally the area was a series a swamps and lagoons and in 1864 was designated as a public park and named Albert Park in honour of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert. Now the park is home to over 100 species of bird and all kinds of wetland vegetation .
The 45 hectare Albert Park Lake is also home to Australia's famous black swans. The park also has jogging tracks, picnic areas, playgrounds, a lookout tower, golf course, aquatic center, indoor sports arena and various outdoor sporting facilities. The park attracts up-to four million visitors a year, but the biggest draw by far is the annual F1 Championship Grand Prix.
Albert Park has a long motor racing history. It was first used for a non-championship Australian Grand Prix back in 1953 and has hosted the F1 Championship Grand Prix since 1996 - having usurped it from Adelaide under huge protests from environmental groups who were worried about the race having a negative impact on the parkland.
The first Melbourne Grand Prix was won by Damon Hill driving for Williams Renault back in 1996. The Australian Grand Prix has since ,changed. In the past, Adelaide had hosted the final race of the F1 Championship season and now Melbourne hosts the first race of the season. The Melbourne track runs through the park and around a lake and is a unique circuit within lush greenery, located near the centre of town.