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2006 FORMULA 1: AUSTRALIAN GP

• Pole sitter Jensen Button didn't have the speed to keep up with Alonso and Raikkonen. Button's engine blew just metres from the finish line when he was running 5th.
• Renault's perfect start to season continues with 3 wins from 3 races.
• ALONSO: "The car was perfect. We were not in danger of losing the race at any time ... There were no problems at all."
• Toyota's first podium of the year with Ralf Schumacher finishing 3rd.
• American rookie Scott Speed's first ever championship point; he finished 8th.
• 3 safety car periods to clear car debris; 9 cars crashed out or retired including Michael Schumacher.

RENAULT RACE REPORT (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Renault F1 Team scored its third consecutive win of the 2006 Formula 1 season this afternoon at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit.
• Fernando Alonso took his tenth career victory after starting from third position on the grid in an action-packed race which featured no fewer than four safety car periods. The Spaniard took the lead on lap 4 at the end of the first safety car period, in a perfectly-judged manoeuvre on Jenson Button's Honda, and only relinquished it during the first round of pit-stops.
• Giancarlo Fisichella was forced to start from the pit-lane after his R26 stalled on the grid, but a determined, forceful drive saw him claim fifth position right on the line, overtaking Button's stricken Honda on the finishing straight. The result leaves the Renault F1 Team with a nineteen point championship lead over its nearest rival, and Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella lie first and second in the championship.
• Fernando Alonso, Winner: "This was a very different race to the other two so far this season. In Bahrain, I was fighting with Michael all the way; in Malaysia, it was Jenson I was battling for second place. But today, it was quite comfortable. There were no fights, and I was very relaxed for a lot of the race. I had a good lead after the first pit-stops, but I lost it during the second safety car."
• "However, I managed to get a good gap on each re-start, and that made life quite easy for me. I was very happy with the balance all the way through the race, so I just needed to make sure I didn't take any unnecessary risks and I am pleased we were able to save the engine performance for the next race."
• "So far, we have shown we are strong in all conditions on all tracks. But Imola is a very different challenge, and we must have a calm approach, because we know it will be more difficult than ever.

McLAREN RACE REPORT (TOP OF PAGE)

• Team McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen finished today's Australian Grand Prix in second place, only 1.8 seconds behind race winner Fernando Alonso. Kimi also set the fastest lap of the race with 1:26.045 on the very last lap. Juan Pablo Montoya was forced to retire from fourth place on lap 46 when the Colombian hit the kerb so severely that the engine's safety system was activated.
• The 57-laps Grand Prix was incident filled and saw the Mercedes Benz Safety Car deployed four times on laps 1-3, 7-9, 34-38 and 38-40. Kimi had his pitstops on laps 21 (9.388 seconds) and 34 (16.306 seconds), whilst Juan Pablo came in on laps 18 (9.369 seconds) and 34 (11.303 seconds).
• In Kimi's second pitstop, which took place during the third Safety Car period, the team also changed his front wing. Kimi is now joint second in the Drivers' Championship with 14 points whilst Juan Pablo is sixth with nine points. Team McLaren Mercedes remains second in the Constructors' standings with 23 points.
• The next race will be the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola in Italy on 23rd April but the Team McLaren Mercedes test team will be back in action at Paul Ricard in France next week and in Barcelona the following week.
• Kimi Raikkonen: "Despite not winning I'm really pleased as we now have a package which is level with the Renaults which I think we demonstrated today. The race was rather hectic. I enjoyed a good battle with Juan Pablo at the start, but when I overtook Jenson I flatspotted my right front tyre which caused some vibration."
• "However I was still able to go flat out and keep up with Fernando, but then all of a sudden the footplate on the right hand side of my front wing fractured probably due to the vibration. As a result I started to have severe understeer and lost a lot of time to Fernando. Fortunately with 21 laps to go the Safety Car came out which gave us enough time to go into the pits and change the front wing."
• "I was really pushing, but in the final Safety Car period one of the Midland cars was between Fernando and I, which meant I was unable to get really close to have a go. An enjoyable race and I can't wait for Imola. The team has definitely made great progress with our entire package."

TOYOTA RACE REPORT (TOP OF PAGE)

• Panasonic Toyota Racing took a dream podium after a dramatic Australian Grand Prix. Both Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli qualified in the top ten but they endured mixed fortunes in an incident-strewn race. Ralf raced strongly near the front early on before losing time for a drive-through penalty. But he made the most of a series of safety car restarts on his way to an eventual six points for 3rd place. Jarno's afternoon was much shorter as he was taken out of the race on the very first lap. Trulli was overtaking David Coulthard when the pair clashed, breaking the Toyota's rear suspension. Ralf's podium means that Toyota will return to Europe with hopes of a continued challenge during the coming races. The team is scheduled to test at France's Paul Ricard circuit next week as it bids to make further steps forward.
  
  ANTE-PODIUM: Ralf Schumacher raced strongly throughout today's incident-packed race gaining several places before taking 3rd place.
  
  Ralf Schumacher, 3rd "We are all very happy with what we achieved today. The drive through penalty was my fault because I accidentally hit the button twice but I was lucky and due to the safety car periods we achieved a lot more than we ever thought before this weekend. At the start we were sliding around and locking wheels. But while we've had problems with warming up our tyres in earlier races, others seemed to struggle with that today. Some of the safety car periods were a bit of a fight with all the backmarkers in there but after the third safety car period I gained a couple of places which was great. Grip was hard to come by so I really had to fight the whole race to keep the car there, but it worked out in the end and we achieved a great result. We are still a way from the top teams so we have to work, but I have no doubt that our crew is able to do that. We're strong people and pushing hard so I'm looking forward to the next few races."
  
  GREAT BARRIER GRIEF: Jarno Trulli's race ended early when he suffered a broken rear suspension after a clash with Coulthard on the first lap.
  
  Jarno Trulli 10th: "I'm happy that Ralf did so well and it shows that we have the pace to challenge again. But this has been a disastrous weekend for me and it was a shame to be punted out of the race so early. A couple of corners in I was following Coulthard who was going very slowly and zigzagging on the straight. I went to the inside to overtake him and I was ahead at the corner but he just closed the door on me, hitting me on the back. That broke my rear suspension and put me out of the race. I was just being careful and overtaking a slower car so I don't understand how it happened and I was surprised by what he did. I've had such bad luck this weekend, I just hope that I've had my share for a while. We showed good pace so I hope we can keep that up and my fortunes can improve back in Europe."
  
  OVERJOYED DOWN UNDER: The Panasonic Toyota Racing team is delighted to have come away from Australia with its first podium finish of 2006.
  
  John Howett - President, Toyota Motorsport: "That was an incredibly exciting and eventful race and it was a suberb job by Ralf and the whole team especially when you consider the difficult start to the year. It was unlucky for Jarno. He was passed by Coulthard at the first corner but then he made a clean pass back and Coulthard just turned in on him. So that was a shame, but with Ralf we could run reasonably competitively. The tyres were very good, too. Everyone struggled after the safety car periods here but Bridgestone have helped us to get on top of the problem of getting heat into the tyres and that paid off. When Ralf got the drive through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, we thought we'd thrown away a podium chance. We were a bit lucky with the number of incidents but for all the safety cars we managed to get the strategy right, and it was excellent team work from the boys as always. Ralf drove aggressively on the restarts and we were able to pick up places, which was fantastic. This is a well deserved shot  of adrenaline to the whole team who have worked so hard over the winter.

HONDA RACE REPORT (TOP OF PAGE)

• A torrid race came to a disappointing conclusion for pole-sitter Jenson Button in Melbourne today. Four outings for the safety car in an action- packed Australian Grand Prix left Jenson struggling for grip as he was unable to get heat into his tyres and he lost three places as the field reacted to a series of major accidents. He was running 5th and looking good for 4 points when his engine blew as he passed through the final corner.
• Despite brake problems throughout the race, Rubens Barrichello was able to translate a disappointing grid slot into a 7th place finish, which opens his 2006 points account.
• With a three week break before the next race in Imola, the team has two weeks of testing ahead to analyse these problems, first in Vallelunga, Italy and then in Barcelona. As Jenson did not take the chequered flag in Melbourne today he escapes a 10-place grid penalty in the next race, which gives the team the opportunity to maximise the benefit of its testing developments.
• Jenson Button: "It's disappointing to end the weekend as we did today after starting the race in pole position. The way the race panned out with the four safety cars left me struggling for grip after each restart and I lost so much time and so many places."
• "I could feel that something was wrong with the engine in turn 13 and it was a difficult way to end the race after such a long hard battle. The car is strong when we have tyre temperature, but when we don't we have massive grip problems. We have two weeks of testing before Imola and hopefully we can solve these problems."
• Rubens Barrichello: "It was very frustrating that Jenson was unable to finish the race. Although we didn't have the pace to fight very hard, it was disappointing to see him go out like that. I struggled the whole race with the brakes and it was impossible for me to overtake, although I was able to get past Speed and gain position."
• "I have a couple of points at least, so in that respect at least my season is underway now. I think we all realise what a lot of work there is to do in the next couple of weeks in testing if we are to start the European season in a more competitive position."
  

QUALIFYING (2005 POLE: 1: 28.289, FISICHELLA, RENAULT) (TOP OF PAGE)

HONDA QUALIFYING REPORT (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Honda Racing F1 Team is celebrating in Melbourne today after Jenson Button delivered the team's first pole position of the 2006 season at the end of a tumultuous qualifying session for tomorrow's Australian Grand Prix.
• Jenson was "shaking with excitement" after snatching pole in the most frenzied session yet under the new knock-out system. Two red flags and a sudden shower had made the track action even more frantic than usual and Jenson delivered a flying lap when it mattered most to achieve the third pole of his career.
• There were a few surprise exits early in the session as the red flags wreaked havoc. Unfortunately Rubens Barrichello was one such casualty after the first session was restarted and the entire field attempted to set a flying lap in the closing minutes. A frustrated Rubens, who had been having a good weekend up until that point, was unable to achieve a clean lap unhindered by traffic and qualified a disappointing 17th.
• Jenson Button: "It's a fantastic feeling to be on pole here after such a manic qualifying session for everybody. With two red flags and the rain shower half way through, it was very difficult to stay calm and get our thoughts together. That's exactly what we did though and I'm so thrilled for the team. This is a very special moment for everyone in Honda as it's the first pole since they returned to works team status."
• "I know all eyes will be on us for tomorrow but we didn't get much running done in race trim today. We know we're quick over a lap but we will only know how competitive we really are when we leave the grid tomorrow. All we can do now is give it our very best shot, aim for a faultless race and make the most of every situation."
• Rubens Barrichello: "I'm obviously very disappointed with how qualifying went for me today because everything was running much more smoothly for us and the team have done a good job all weekend. At the end of the day, I just lost out to traffic after the restart in the first session. We have a tough mountain to climb tomorrow but we'll see what we can do to challenge for points nonetheless."
• Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director: "We are absolutely delighted that Jenson is on pole for the first time this season. Both car and engine were working well as a result of some changes we made overnight and he pulled out all the stops to produced a fantastic lap. However, all three sessions were nerve- wracking to say the least and at no point did we feel entirely comfortable with our position."
• "It all started with the red flag in the first session, which unfortunately caught Rubens out on his new tyre run. Subsequently, his best lap was ruined by traffic and he ran out of time. Disappointing, but we know he has the pace to have a good race tomorrow. The excitement continued with yet another red flag prior to Jenson setting a time at all, but thankfully he was able to get a clear enough gap before it started sprinkling in the dying minutes of the session."
• "That weather uncertainty pushed us into setting a lap time early in the third session, and once it was clear that there was no longer the threat of rain, we focused on getting Jenson into clear air for his last new tyres. The rest is history! Obviously this is the best possible position to be in going into the race but let's see what tomorrow brings!"

RENAULT QUALIFYING REPORT (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Renault F1 Team secured its strongest starting positions of the 2006 season so far during qualifying for the 2006 Australian GP this afternoon at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit. Giancarlo Fisichella qualified second, while team-mate Fernando Alonso will start from third position on the grid.
• The knockout qualifying format once again proved action-packed, and extremely busy for the team as it worked to secure the best possible positions for the two drivers. The final positions were decided by the quick laps on new tyres at the end of the third session.
• Giancarlo Fisichella set his fastest time on his second flying lap, in spite of some mistakes in the first part of the circuit, while Fernando Alonso was delayed by traffic in the final sector of his first timed lap after the car in front made a mistake, costing him half a second.
• Even so, positions on the first and second rows represent a strong platform for tomorrow's race. Strong starts, such as the team has already produced this year, combined with the consistent pace of the R26, should see both drivers fighting for the win with Jenson Button and the two McLarens.
• Giancarlo Fisichella: "I am very pleased to be second for the race tomorrow, considering I made some small mistakes on my quickest lap. For me, the rain this morning was a bit worrying because I had lost set-up time yesterday, and I didn't get a chance to drive the car in dry conditions before qualifying. But we had made some good changes with the engineers overnight, and the car balance in qualifying was good."
• "My second timed lap was faster than the first because the tyres were taking a long time to warm up, and second is a good grid position. The R26 has very good pace on the long runs, so if we get a good start, then I think we can be very strong tomorrow afternoon.
• Fernando Alonso: "I am pleased to be third because this is my best qualifying position so far this year. Even so, we still didn't achieve our maximum this afternoon, because I had Heidfeld's BMW in front of me during my quick lap, and he made a mistake in turn 13. That meant I caught him very quickly, and lost about half a second in the last two corners."
• "The car felt very good though, and I am pleased with the consistent handling balance. In race conditions, I am confident we will be extremely competitive.
• Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
• It proved to be another very hectic qualifying session. In addition to all the usual factors, we had to keep a close eye on the weather this afternoon. We are satisfied with our results: Fisi put in another faultless performance, while Fernando was unlucky to hit traffic on his quick lap."
• "Nevertheless, we have strong starting positions and there is certainly a possibility of some strategic differences in the race. We are expecting it to come down to a three-way fight between Renault, Honda and McLaren."
• Denis Chevrier, Head of Trackside Engine Operations: "This is a very pleasing result after a day that was complicated by inconsistent weather conditions. The weather this morning meant we learned very little of use on the engine side, as the track was never properly dry. We therefore had to make our choices on gear ratios and cooling levels based on yesterday's running."
• "When it came to qualifying, we have achieved a very strong team result, and it was pleasing to see both cars run trouble-free. We can legitimately hope our race strategy will prove extremely competitive, so the mood within the team is very optimistic this evening.

FRIDAY REPORT - HONDA (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Honda Racing F1 Team's Australian Grand Prix got off to a promising start today as Third Driver Anthony Davidson once again topped the timesheets in free practice running, with Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello posting the fastest and 5th fastest times of the race drivers.
• Gil de Ferran, Sporting Director: "We had a good start to the weekend; all three cars ran without any glitches today and were in the top third of the time sheets. Anthony worked hard evaluating the tyres and different set-ups."
• "Despite the fact we are competitive today the drivers are not 100% happy with the car, so there is room for improvement. Tonight we will review all the data and hopefully make some good decisions for tomorrow."
• Anthony Davidson: "I've had a very positive day today and I'm pleased to be top of the times again. It's been quite a difficult day in terms of traffic because none of the teams get to drive this circuit outside of the Grand Prix weekend, so there were a lot of cars on track at one time, especially when the circuit evolved towards the end of the second session."
• "I think we've done a good job on tyre evaluation and overall we're looking good. There's definitely more to come though so if we keep moving forward like we have today we should have a good weekend."

FRIDAY REPORT - FERRARI

• Jean Todt (Ferrari): "The initial analysis of these first two hours of free practice provides us with a clear indication that the major players in this early part of the season are all very closely matched. For our part, we worked mainly on setting up the two 248 F1s and now it is up to the engineers to analyse the data. Temperature will be a very important factor this weekend, both in terms of making the right tyre choice and then of optimising their performance."
• Michael Schumacher: "Things went pretty well, apart from a bit of traffic stopping us from getting through 100% of our planned programme. One variable was the wind, which occasionally made for unpredictable handling. On one lap, I ended up running a bit wide in a corner when a gust of wind pushed the car from behind, when I had no more room to brake."
• "As for the tyres, it will be important to always ensure they are up to temperature. There are no other problems, partly because over the winter we ran in much colder conditions than this. Tomorrow, I hope to be a front runner and be able to start the race from as near to the lights as possible."

2006 RACE PREVIEW (RENAULT  McLAREN  HONDA  WILLIAMS  SHELL  TOYOTA )

RENAULT PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• Fernando Alonso
• Q: Fernando, what have the opening races of 2006 taught you for the rest of the season?
• Fernando Alonso: They have given me more confidence. After these races, we know the car is competitive, it has won the first two races, and that gives me the conviction that we can be quick at the next sixteen rounds too. It is a difficult feeling to explain, but having seen what the car can do, I don't have any doubts that we can win the championship again. I am very optimistic after these opening rounds.
• Q: Are you looking forward to arriving in Melbourne?
• FA: Absolutely. Melbourne always has one of the best atmospheres of the whole season. I think it comes from the people, and their culture, they always make it a good Grand Prix. It is a long way from home, but we are always happy to be in Melbourne, to feel the country's passion for Formula 1. It will be a fantastic weekend this year, I am sure.
• Q: The Albert Park circuit is used as normal roads for much of the year. What does that change for you?
• FA: Normally, it doesn't change too much. The fact it is a street circuit means there are some traffic lines on the asphalt, so it we get any rain, then you have to choose the line very carefully because these areas are slippery, and that can make the circuit a bit complex. It is quite bumpy too, and takes a long time to clean up during the race weekend. It makes for a difficult Grand Prix.
• Q: Do you think the R26 will suit the circuit?
• FA: I think so, yes. Over the last few years, good braking and traction have been strong characteristics of the Renault cars, and this is what you need in Melbourne. The key is the slow-speed chicanes, where you arrive in sixth or seventh gear, brake hard, then get back on the throttle in second gear. We know the car is good in those areas, and we were very quick at this circuit last year. It should be the same for 2006.
• Giancarlo Fisichella
• Q: Giancarlo, you must be feeling very optimistic heading to Australia?
• Giancarlo Fisichella: For sure! We had a fantastic weekend in Malaysia, to get the pole and the race win, and to do it without any unusual circumstances like in Melbourne 2005. Even in Bahrain, the car felt very strong and taking into account the power loss, I was very competitive. And now we are in Melbourne. I have a great feeling here, I won last year, and I am hoping to do the same again!
• Q: What are your thoughts on the competitiveness of the R26?
• GF: I think the first two races have shown we have a good potential. In the winter, I said I wanted to go for the championship, and these races have shown that I have the chance to do well at every circuit, and to fight for the title. That is my dream, and my goal this year. The atmosphere within the team is fantastic, and I have a great relationship with Fernando. The feeling is very positive.
• Q: Can you explain the challenges of the Melbourne circuit?
• GF: The fact that it is a street circuit means it changes a lot, so it is difficult to find a good set-up on Friday, and to find good grip. Obviously, we want a nice balance on the car, to make it easy to drive. But the really important thing is to get good traction out of the slow corners and chicanes, and we concentrate on this.
• Q: So what are your expectations for the race?
• GF: Well, this is the last flyaway race, and it is very important to score lots of points early in the season. I think Renault will be very competitive in Australia, and I am going for the win. I want to arrive in Imola, one of my home races, with a very strong position in the championship.
• Flavio Briatore, Managing Director:
• Q: Flavio, what is your mood as you arrive in Melbourne for the 2006 Australian GP?
• Flavio Briatore: I'm happy. Melbourne is a favourite race for everybody and we are happy to be there. In terms of our performance, we knew we needed to be fighting for the championship again, to be defending it with a strong competition. We have shown that Renault is at the top again in 2006, and that we will be fighting all the way to the end to try and win it.
• Q: And what is your opinion of the show so far this season?
• FB: I think we have seen a fantastic show. After the first race, we saw Ferrari were back, and that is good for everybody in Formula 1. To have Fernando fighting with Michael increased the TV share everywhere, because Michael and Ferrari are fantastic assets for Formula 1.
• Q: What about the new qualifying format?
• FB: I think the knockout system is very good, and spectacular for the spectators. But I am still not happy with the first part of Q3. At the moment, we are going round for no reason, and it doesn't make sense for the people or for our image with the environment. I think the final session should be 15 minutes long, and you fuel beforehand. You then qualify, and whatever load you finish the session with, then you go to parc ferme and start the race like that. What we are doing now doesn't make sense for the show.
• Q: What has surprised you so far?
• FB: For me, Renault is the surprise this year. All through the winter, we only heard reasons why we would not be on top. And we have shown that we know how to work properly, to adapt to the rules and manage our season the right way. People didn't expect us to still be at the front, and we are.
• Q: Do you already have a feel for how the title fight might turn out?
• FB: I think we can expect to see four drivers fighting for the championship. Fernando, of course. Michael if the car is right. Kimi. And Fisichella. He is strong in the team this year, and we have already seen what he can do in Malaysia.
• Q: But Giancarlo had a difficult season last year...
• FB: Yes, but last year, 80% of the problems he had were our fault. He arrived last year without any experience of a top team, and he realised it was a different game, with a lot of pressure. This year, he has settled down, we can see he is more relaxed, and he has been very quick. He needs the luck, yes, but that comes when you are strong and take risks, because you believe in yourself. I think he has started doing it.
• Q: There were also suggestions that the early announcement of Fernando's departure would destabilise the team...
• FB: I haven't seen any change at all in Fernando. He is still hungry to win,. we saw that in Bahrain and Malaysia. Last year, he only made one mistake all year, and if anything, he is even more mature this season. But he is the same guy, with 100% commitment to the team.
• Q: Of course, speculation will soon begin concerning which drivers you will sign for 2007...
• FB: The important thing is to have a competitive team, to keep Renault strong in Formula 1. When the team is strong enough, then you attract strong drivers. We still have sixteen races to go, and people will try and talk about this every weekend. But we won't do it in public. We will only talk about our drivers when the decision has been taken.
• Q: Renault was also at the centre of speculation over its long-term commitment to the sport during the winter...
• FB: Renault is in the same situation as all the manufacturers and in that group, we are in a strong position. At the moment, all the parties are looking for the right compromise in the negotiations and Renault, like the other manufacturers, is waiting for an agreement. I think it is normal that any manager wants to know the basic business plan of the industry -- the investment we need, and the term of the investment. But this position has nothing unique for Renault. In the meantime, we have won two world championships, and the first two races.
• Q: The team is often cited as the most efficient in the sport. Where does that come from?
• FB: We invest every penny in the business, but it is also about how we operate. If you have an unlimited budget, it can be like going into a restaurant where the menu is fantastic. So you have a bit of that, of bit of this, and you end up with nothing. The way we work, is like going shopping. You know what you want for dinner. So you go any buy the ingredients, and you get the result you want. That is what we did again this winter, working the right way with the new rules, and delivering the right results.

McLAREN PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• Team McLaren Mercedes travels to Melbourne this week for the 2006 Australian Grand Prix. The race, which is being held at the Albert Park track for the 11th time, has moved from its traditional position as season opener to the third race of the year as Melbourne was hosting the 2006 Commonwealth Games for two weeks in early March.
• Following the Malaysian Grand Prix eight days ago, the MP4-21 race cars were prepared for the Australian race in Sepang by the race team before being freighted to Melbourne late on Monday 20th March. The freight was not delivered to the Albert Park circuit until Monday 27th March due to the Commonwealth Games.
• Some members of the team also travelled straight to Melbourne, with others returning to the McLaren Technology Centre in between the two races. Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya spent a few days in Switzerland and Langkawi respectively before joining the team in Australia on Monday 27th March.
• Last week saw the test team return to track duties in Paul Ricard in France, with Pedro de la Rosa running a new chassis of MP4-21 and Gary Paffett at the wheel of the interim MP4-20. Pedro continued the on-going development process for MP4-21, whilst Gary worked specifically on the Michelin tyre programme for Australia and San Marino.
• Kimi Raikkonen: "After the first two races, I am really hoping to have a trouble free weekend in Australia, as the car feels good and I think that we can get some good results with it. I am aiming to get a solid points finish at this race to take back to Europe."
• "Albert Park is a high downforce track and it has pretty low grip, this is because the surface is always dusty as it is old roads that are not used anymore. But this tends to clean up quickly during Friday running and then the track surface is fairly smooth."
• "There are some hard braking zones and sharp bends, which can be tough on the brakes and tyres, such as into turn three, and demand good traction to be fast out of the corners. The Australian race is one of the favourites I think with most people in the sport, and there is always such an enthusiastic atmosphere in Melbourne for the event."
• Juan Pablo Montoya: "It wasn't an ideal weekend for me in Malaysia, but at least I finished fifth and fourth in the last two races. I am now looking forward to racing in Melbourne and hopefully challenging for a podium position. Albert Park is quite a flowing circuit, with long, sweeping bends and quick corners, so it is fun to drive and you can really build up a good rhythm."
• "There are some places on the track where you can pass, primarily the right hander of turn one at the end of the main straight, where your speed drops from over 300km/h to around 130km/h, and also as you flow on through the curve of turn two that immediately follows. Another chance is through the left flick of 11, which is taken quite quickly at just over 210km/h in fourth."
• Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, Team McLaren Mercedes: "Following the Malaysian Grand Prix our test team returned to the track last week, completing four intensive days at Paul Ricard and covering over 3280km as we look to push forward with the performance potential we have in the car. The work completed in France has helped us to further improve the MP4-21 package."
• "We are racing in Melbourne a month later than usual and as a result we will be further into the Australian Autumn, so we expect to see cooler ambients than normal at the event, and also than those seen at the opening two rounds of the Championship, as a consequence there will be less impact placed on the cars and the personnel from the heat."

SHELL PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• FUEL The racing demands of Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne, are very similar to those at the first two races of the season in Bahrain and Malaysia. Shell is providing Scuderia Ferrari with the same blend of Shell V-Power ULG 59L/9.
• Australia is one of the furthest races from Shell Global Solutions in Chester (UK), where the products provided to Ferrari for Grand Prix racing originate. With this in mind, Shell has adopted a prudent approach and will use fuel that already has a well-proven race record.
• ENGINE LUBRICANT Shell Helix SL-0932 will be retained for this race. Formula One is coming to Australia at a slightly later time than normal. As the Australian season is getting deeper into autumn, the temperatures could be slightly cooler than Albert Park’s usual weekend at the beginning of March.
• However, Melbourne weather can also be unpredictable. Shell will be using a formulation well suited to the Ferrari engine. Following the engine changes in Malaysia it is also important to maintain product continuity.

HONDA PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• The Honda Racing F1 Team heads to Australia this weekend for round three of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Traditionally the host of the first Grand Prix of the season, this year's Melbourne race was delayed from its usual opening weekend as the city enjoyed playing host to a very successful Commonwealth Games.
• After a solid start to the 2006 season, with a fourth and a third position putting Jenson Button joint second in the Drivers' Championship, everyone at the team is looking forward to another successful weekend at the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne.
• The team returned to the test track last week with a three-day test at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy. Rubens Barrichello, Anthony Davidson and James Rossiter had a successful test, despite rain, and put some new developments on the RA106 race car through their paces in preparation for the Australian Grand Prix and the upcoming European season.
• Rubens Barrichello: "I really enjoy the Australian Grand Prix and it is certainly one of my favourite races on the calendar. The Australian people are so relaxed, always helpful and smiling, it reminds me of Brazil really. Melbourne is a fantastic place to be based but what I like most about the weekend is the race track with its great combination of corners."
• "Despite the weather, we achieved some good work at the Vallelunga test last week and I was encouraged by the new ideas that we tested. So I'm really looking forward to getting to Melbourne, our car seems to be strong in all areas at the moment, and I think we should enjoy the weekend."
• Jenson Button: "Australia is a race that I always enjoy and having had a couple of races already this season, I think Melbourne is going to be even more special as we understand already who is quick and who isn't. Usually we don't know who is going to be competitive when Melbourne is the first race of the season."
• "It's a beautiful city and I always enjoy travelling there very much. I'll be spending some time in Sydney before the race as well, working on my training and fitness but also taking some time to relax."
• "The Albert Park street circuit is great for drivers but also for the fans as they can get that much closer to the action. We'll be hoping to build on the podium finish in Malaysia and using some of the developments from the test last week, I'm sure that we will have another strong race."
• Gil de Ferran Sporting Director: "Melbourne should be quite a different weekend from the first two races, not only is it a temporary circuit but the climate is expected to be somewhat cooler. Although we have been quite competitive so far, our focus is on continued improvements and hopefully the work put in over the last few weeks will pay dividends."
• "Last but not least, the Australian Grand Prix remains one of the favourite stops in the whole Championship, the mixture between the town, fans and on-track action makes for an unforgettable experience."
• Shuhei Nakamoto Honda Racing F1 Team, Engineering Director: "Melbourne will be a new challenge after the heat and humidity of the first two races. On the engine side we have a number of improvements in the pipeline, which we will be introducing over the next few races."

WILLIAMS PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• The WilliamsF1 Team travels to Australia this week for the third round of the Formula One season, the Australian Grand Prix. Moved from its traditional slot as the season's opening race to allow for the Commonwealth Games, the Australian Grand Prix will, for the eleventh time, be held at the picturesque Albert Park circuit in the heart of Victoria's capital, Melbourne.
• Despite showing good race pace, the team encountered mixed fortunes in Bahrain and Malaysia and is seeking a more reflective result in Melbourne this Sunday. Having secured seven podium finishes at Albert Park since the Grand Prix moved from Adelaide in 1996, the team is determined to field competitive FW28s for Mark Webber's home race and Nico Rosberg's debut at the Melbourne street circuit.
• Between the races
• The Australian Grand Prix will be the final leg of a continuous three race tour for the team before returning home for the start of the European season. The majority of Williams personnel travelled straight to Australia after the Malaysian Grand Prix, while the drivers completed various marketing commitments for the team's sponsors.
• Nico Rosberg stopped over in Singapore last Tuesday for a dinner with regional representatives from the Royal Bank of Scotland before heading straight to Melbourne a few days early to settle into the time difference. Mark Webber has also been working hard, starting his trip home with a visit to Tasmania to promote the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, his personal adventure race which takes place on the Antipodean island after the end of the racing season.
• Next stop Sydney and a photoshoot for the team's shaving partner, Philips, followed by a VIP track day for RBS at the weekend. Mark flies into Melbourne later this week but, before he can concentrate on the racing, he will be guest of honour at a store opening for Mattel.
• Making the car go fast
• The team returned to the test track after the Malaysian Grand Prix with Alex Wurz and Narain Karthikeyan assuming testing responsibilities in Valencia. Developing race specifications for Melbourne, the pair covered over 1,000kms of the Spanish circuit while evaluating optimum tyre compounds for lower temperature conditions and various revised mechanical components as well as validating fixes for the two mechanical failures encountered in Malaysia.
• The team is confident that the source of both the engine and hydraulic maladies at Sepang have been identified and rectified. Wurz and Karthikeyan also ran brake checks and put the miles on new parts brought by Cosworth for the CA2006 as part of their on-going development programme.
• Melbourne from a technical perspective
• A non-permanent street circuit, the drivers will face a green and dirty track for Friday's practice sessions prompting low grip levels on a circuit with minimal run off areas. Fortunately, however, conditions improve rapidly over the weekend as the cars continue to lay rubber with every trip out of the garage.
• At 5.303km, a lap of Albert Park is one of the longest on the calendar and comprises a strenuous mix of short straights and 16 slow and medium speed corners. A high downforce configuration, Melbourne demands a balanced car set-up with good traction control and stability under braking. Webber and Rosberg will both enjoy new engines in Melbourne, which can only be a benefit at a track where torque, rather than top end speed, is rewarded.
• Mark Webber: "The Australian Grand Prix is always a special fixture on the F1 calendar because there's a tremendous atmosphere at Albert Park. It is also probably one of the best organised Grands Prix of the season. Of course, it's particularly rewarding for me to drive in front of my home fans and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the weekend will unfold. Melbourne has finished staging a very successful Commonwealth Games so there's already a big buzz around the city and an exciting Grand Prix will be a fantastic way to top off the past few weeks."
• "The recent pace of the FW28 has been encouraging and, although we had a double retirement in Malaysia which was a big shame, there's no question we'd like a big points haul in Melbourne. With the race a month later than normal this year, the weather could be a lot cooler, and potentially quite inconsistent, so that could be a factor as well."
• "I'm more than ready for the race weekend and I've been in Australia for over a week now and spent a great few days down in Tasmania working on the Mark Webber Challenge which we launched in Melbourne on Tuesday. I was able to do some trekking, cycling and paddling in a kayak in some of the most spectacular and remote locations in the world. It was awesome!"
• Nico Rosberg: "I'm looking forward to Melbourne and continuing our strong performance. I haven't been before, but I've heard that Melbourne is a lot of fun so it's going to be good. The cooler temperatures will be a bit of a change from what we've experienced at the last two races, but I believe that we have made some improvements in order to be just as strong in cooler conditions."

TOYOTA PREVIEW (TOP OF PAGE)

• After the punishing double-header to kick off the 2006 season, the Formula 1 world now travels to the other side of the world for round three.
• For the last decade the Australian Grand Prix has held the honour of opening the calendar but a clash with this month's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne led to this change of schedule. The later start means that the teams can expect slightly cooler weather than usual as the Australian autumn draws in.
• Panasonic Toyota Racing's drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli will nevertheless hope to continue the learning process that the team has been involved in since its difficult start to the year. Rest assured that Toyota will push to build on its points finish in Malaysia.
• DOWN UNDER STREET
• After his point in Malaysia, Ralf Schumacher is looking forward to the streets of Melbourne's Albert Park.
• Ralf Schumacher (Car 7): "After Malaysia I returned to Europe for testing as we look to improve on our start to the year. Heating up the tyres has been a problem for us, so Australia will show us how far we've come. It is not usually particularly warm there and this race is taking place later than usual in their autumn."
• "Because it is a street circuit, the track surface at Melbourne's Albert Park track tends to be dirty, so it could be hard to find grip, especially in the first lap of qualifying. But I do like the circuit - it is one of the most beautiful street circuits there is and also among the safest."
• "The city itself is also one of my favourites on the calendar, so it all combines to make the Australian Grand Prix an exciting event. A difficult weekend awaits but I hope we can continue to push hard and use the data that we have collected so far this year to help pushing up the grid."
• MELBOURNE TO RUN
• Jarno Trulli is prepared for testing times as Toyota works to solve its problems in the early part of 2006.
• Jarno Trulli (Car 8): "Melbourne is a fantastic venue for F1 and the atmosphere is always great. I normally arrive early to put in some training outdoors but this year both Ralf and I returned to Europe last week to test the TF106 at Paul Ricard."
• "I enjoy driving at Albert Park, especially the quick chicane at Turns 11 and 12. The track can be quite bumpy and you need a lot of grip and traction, particularly in the slow corners like Jones, Clark, Ascari and Prost."
• "Given our problems with warming up our tyres in Bahrain the cool weather could be difficult for us but we will use the weekend to understand more about how to make improvements to how our car works with our tyres. There is no question about the motivation of the whole team to get back to the level where we can race at the front of the grid."
• AUSSIE COOLS
• Toyota hopes to build on its Malaysia form even with the lower temperatures expected in Australia.
• Mike Gascoyne - Technical Director Chassis: "The Malaysian Grand Prix was a big improvement on Bahrain because we were able to get more heat into our tyres. We suffered in Malaysia because of Ralf's engine change and set-up issues with Jarno but now that we have our season back on track we've got to look to have a competitive weekend."
• "Melbourne is a street circuit, so the track will evolve during the weekend. Obviously we will have cooler conditions in Australia so we have to keep a very close eye on getting the tyre to work. But I am sure we now have a better idea of how to do that so I hope we will be able to cope with that particular situation."
• "Our car is gentle on the tyres so we need to push so we are working at the softer end of the range compared to other Bridgestone partners. Then we can look to maintain our upward momentum."

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