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Formula 1 Australian GP

F1 Australian GP Live Commentary and Updates - FP1 & FP2

Friday's action from the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Over two years on from the cancelled Australian GP due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, F1 makes its highly-anticipated return to a revamped Albert Park for 2022.

The key track changes see sections of the circuit widened, the Turn 9-10 chicane taken out to increase speeds in a flowing back section and the entire layout has been resurfaced. All changes have been made in the hope of increasing overtaking opportunities and creating more exciting races.

Sebastian Vettel is back in action for Aston Martin after missing the opening two races having tested positive for COVID-19.

Charles Leclerc leads the early F1 drivers’ world championship by 12 points from Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen in third 20 points off Leclerc.

Opening practice for the Australian GP gets underway at 4am BST (1pm local time), followed by second practice which starts at 7am BST (4pm local time).

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Perez is first out on the track with a sizeable aero rake strapped to his Red Bull just ahead of the sidepods. The Mexican is joined on track by both Alfa Romeos, both Aston Martins and McLaren's Norris.
Lights green
Here we go! FP1 is underway.
Sun
The air temp is an agreeable 21.0C with track temp at 37.3C. That'll be ideal for Pirelli's tyres which for this weekend are the C5 (soft), C3 (medium) and C2 (hard).
All 20 F1 drivers are preparing for FP1, including Vettel who returns to action for Aston Martin after missing the first two races due to COVID-19. Magnussen is also ready after missing this morning's press conference after feeling unwell.

A huge amount has changed since that fateful weekend that wasn't to be, not least Albert Park which has undergone key tweaks all with the goal of improving racing. Here's a breakdown of what's new:

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-australian-gp-track-changes-albert-park/9517500/

It was around this time during the 2020 Australian GP when the whole thing was called off as the world braced for the COVID-19 pandemic. A little over two years later, F1 is back and, boy, does it feel good.
Sun
G'day one and all! Opening practice for the Australian GP is a little under 15 minutes away, who is excited?

By: autosport.com

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