Formula One news

Rampf previews stop-start Albert Park

BMW technical director Willy Rampf has previewed the Albert Park circuit ahead of next weekend's opening round of the F1 season.

"Melbourne is the perfect start to the Formula One season," said Rampf. "It's a fantastic city with a great atmosphere. Naturally we're all keen to find out where we actually stand when all the teams put their cards on the table for the first time in Saturday's qualifying."

"The circuit in Albert Park is a stop-go track with a lot of slow corners," he added. "With traction control and engine braking control now banned, the drivers will be under pressure when braking into as well as accelerating out of corners. Heavy demands will be made above all on the rear tyres on account of the circuit layout, and that will require the drivers to apply a more sensitive touch to the accelerator."

"In terms of the car's set-up, the priorities are good traction and high braking stability. Sufficient brake cooling is also important as Melbourne has the highest braking loads after Montreal," he went on. "The first race of the season also marks the first stage in the gearbox lifecycle. According to the new regulations, gearboxes have to be used for four race weekends, on both Saturday and Sunday."

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