[Race] Formula 1 Round 1 - 2009 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix - Albert Park, Australia

[Chatters]

So... It's only two weeks now until the cars hit the track for the very first round of the 2009 Formula 1 World Championship. And it all kicks off, once again, at Albert Park in Melbourne.

2009 will be a return to the times of old, for many long time F1 fans. A return to slick tyred, low downforced cars, and this season looks set to be one of the most open seasons in a long, long, LONG time! All 10 teams head into the race with almost zero idea of how their cars will behave under the intense pressure and stress that is a Formula 1 race. It's hard to predict who will be on top at the end of the first practice session, let alone trying to guess who will emerge victorious at the end of 58 laps around the Albert Park circuit.

Testing has thrown up a lot more questions then answers. Are McLaren struggling with their new aero package? Is this year Webber's 'year'? Are BMW geniune WCC contenders this year? Will Renault pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat with their 'flying fruit salad' (thanks Marbot )? And perhaps the most interesting development in the past week, what is the true speed of the new Brawn GP BGP 001?

Interestingly enough, in 2006, Fernando Alonso won the Australian Grand Prix and went on to be world champion. Similarly in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen, and in 2008 with Lewis Hamilton. Will we be able to find out the winner of this years World Driver's Championship after only one race? Don't count on it this year, as anything can (and more then likely will) happen...

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX - STATISTICS

Circuit	Length	Direction	Turns	Lap Record (Driver, Year)
Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit	5.303km / 3.3mi	16	Clockwise	1:24.125 (Michael Schumacher, 2004)

2008 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX

Pole Position (Time)	Fastest Lap (Driver)	Winner	Second	Third
Lewis Hamilton (1:26.714)	1:27.418 (Heikki Kovalainen)	Lewis Hamilton	Nick Heidfeld	Nico Rosberg

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2007: Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
2006: Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2005: Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault)
2004: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2003: David Coulthard (McLaren)
2002: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2001: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
2000: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
1999: Eddie Irvine (Ferrari)

[Bononi]

Too early. Open a new one in the week of the GP, if you like.