Almost all the drivers are very enthusiastic about the circuit at Albert Park in Melbourne (Australia) one week before the start of the new season there. Some even said it is one of the most beautiful tracks in the world. Current World Champion, Michael Schumacher, said it is very fast and exciting. Indy Car newcomer, Jacques Villeneuve, said: "It looks great!". He also added that there are six potential overtaking places.
The 5.269 km long circuit is expected to have a top speed of 285 km/h and a lap time of more than one and a half minute, that is an average of over 200 km/h. This was simulated by the Tyrrell-Yamaha team. Albert Park has not been used by Formula One cars for 40 years. The cars now drive in the opposite direction. There will also be some other changes: The grid positions will be set only on Saturday, on Friday there will be two one hour free sessions with a maximum of 30 laps per driver, on Saturday morning there will be two 45 minute sessions.
The 1956 Olympic Grand Prix at Albert Park winner Stirling Moss called it a fantastic track: "It is the finest conventional road circuit I've seen, by miles. There is nothing to compare with it." He also added: "It is going to be a exciting race weekend. Spa was the favourite until now but I think Albert Park is certainly going to be." Jordan driver Rubens Barrichello agreed on this: "I think it is a great track."
The favourite to win this year's driver Championship title, Damon Hill, is aiming to win the first
Grand Prix of 1996: " I always enjoy racing in Australia and although we are going to Melbourne for
the first time, I'm sure I will enjoy it."
"I've had a really good winter and I can't wait for the new season to start." Hill also added: "I've
learned a great deal during my three seasons of Formula One racing."
Schumacher stated: " The favourites for the World Championship title 1996 are Williams and Benetton," and not his own team Ferrari.
Damon Hill has been backed by Martin Brundle, in 1996 with Jordan-Peugeot, and former team-mate David Coulthard for the 1996 World Championship. Brundle said about Hill's chances: "He can only really lose the title this season. Williams are again looking the stronger both in terms of speed and reliability." Coulthard, now with the McLaren-Mercedes team, says Hill must be the favourite, but he added: "We won't know what the season holds until the first race."
Jacques Villeneuve, team-mate of Briton Damon Hill, is determined to avoid suffering the same fate
as predecessors who came from Indy Car racing.
Michael Andretti came from Indy Car as reigning World Champion, just like Villeneuve, and left six months later with just
one podium finish. Villeneuve responded to this by saying: "Michael just did not have the time to get
ready. I have done several thousand miles of testing and have lived in Monaco for a while." He also
stated again he will not be second to Hill: "When I race, I race to win."
