Australian Grand Prix - Former F1 star completes the first lap of revised Albert Park

Melbourne, Australia — Photo: © LAT Images

Australian Grand Prix

Australian Grand Prix - Former F1 star completes the first lap of revised Albert Park

Albert Park has undergone a number of heavy modifications since it was last raced on.

Sam Hall

Wednesday 6 April 2022 16:15 Updated: 18:20

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The first official lap of a revamped Albert Park has been nostalgically completed with former Williams driver Tim Schenken leading a field of karting stars of tomorrow.

The Australian Grand Prix venue has been given an extensive facelift since it staged its last F1 in 2019, with numerous corners widened or reprofiled.

In the case of the old turn nine-10 chicane, this has been removed entirely in favour of a sweeping right-left that now includes a fourth DRS zone.

The first tour of the new layout was officially completed by Schenken in a 1950s 250F Maseratti followed by a fleet of 23 kart drivers from representative clubs of go-karting Australia.

"It was very special for me," said Schenken, who started 34 grands prix between 1970 and 1974.

"I was driving a 250F Maseratti, the same model that Reg Hunt used to race here. So you had the older guy like me and all of the youngsters."