A Guide to the Australian Gran Prix

words by niall roeder.

Food trucks, RnB Friday and fast cars – it’s all Formula 1 fun at the Australian Gran Prix 2017.

The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is set to be inundated with a massive spill of rev-heads when the 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Gran Prix hits town. It’s not your Bathurst 1000-type rev-head, more the Ferrari-loving, aerodynamic motor enthusiast that refers to Michael Schumacher over Jordan, Warnie or Woods as the GOAT. Note – Schumacher holds the course record of 1:24.125 – save this handy fact for bar line banter.

Attendees can expect to see the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, last year’s winner Nico Rosberg and Aussie lad Daniel Ricciardo hurtle around the street circuit surrounding Albert Park Lake at what seems to be 500km/h, but is probably more like 300km/h. In other words, they go faster than a toupee in a hurricane.

Those looking towards the automotive future will be pleased to know that one of only 24 Aston Martin Vulcans ever built will be on display. It costs a staggering $3.8 million, so look, but don’t touch. There’ll also be a Jaguar F-Type Supersprint, where professional drivers hoon V6 and V8-powered F-TYPE coupés through a 560-metre driving course along Aquatic Drive with you in the passenger seat. This is free for ticket holders and you can register your interest here.

If you’re really just there to party on the streets of Melbourne, that’s fine. There’s a bunch of artists, like Mya, Mario and Bliss n Eso performing on RnB and Hip Hop flavoured stages throughout the event. And then, of course, there’s an army of food trucks, including CALO.KO Korean BBQ, Biggie Smalls, Manny’s Donuts, Wingsters and St Kilda Burger Bar; and street artists, Justine McAllister, Cam Scale and Putos doing their thing.

Don’t let the little ones stop you – kids 14 years and under get in free with the purchase of an Adult General Admission ticket.

Gentlemen, start your engines.

The 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Gran Prix runs March 23-26.