Daniel Ricciardo’s role in the historic re-design of the Australian Grand Prix has been announced.
Daniel Ricciardo has been described as a key figure in the growth of the Australian Grand Prix track’s historic changes.
The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit is undergoing its first major re-design in 25 years, following the event’s relocation from Adelaide.
The new-look Albert Park circuit was unveiled this week, following the announcement last year by the Australian Grand Prix Company that the track would be revised to allow for more overtaking opportunities.
Daniel Ricciardo of Australia was a key voice in the creation of the new-look circuit, which features three major areas of construction that allow drivers to bring more speed exiting turns and more space for passing at the end of a longer straight.
Ricciardo expressed his satisfaction with the improvements this week, but acknowledged he did not get anything he desired during consultations with several other drivers during the re-design process.
“I believe that all of these improvements will help Sunday and that we will have some fun on the brakes,” Ricciardo told the official Formula 1 website.
“I’m fairly certain it’ll get the racing closer together.
A group of us drivers were consulted on the improvements, which I appreciated. We were permitted to contribute our thoughts and ideas. Of course, not all drivers can agree, but one thing we can agree on is that we want to improve Sundays, race days. Expanding some of the apexes and making more straights in certain locations to allow for more slipstreaming… that was the focus, and I’m sure it’s going to be good.”
The most significant improvement is the elimination of the chicane at Turn 9, which results in a longer swooping back straight. It increases the likelihood of drivers overtaking on the longer straight and reduces lap times by more than five seconds.
The 2021 Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for November 19-21, has been rescheduled from its usual March date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ricciardo will race in Australia for the first time in McLaren colours following his switch from Renault at the end of the 2020 season.
