The launch of the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix took place within the QANTAS service terminal hanger in the back lots of Tullamarine airport last Wednesday.
The invited media was subject to keeping within stringent security parameters, yellow reflector jackets, low heeled shoes and the rest of the OH&S mumbo-jumbo, as they made their way by bus to the designated QANTAS hanger complete with, a number of race cars and Jumbo-Jet-on-tarmac sporting the latest Formula 1 livery – very impressive indeed!
Ron Walker AGP Chairman, QANTAS CEO Alan Joyce and Louise Asher, Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, formally launched the event naming Mark Webber as QANTAS Ambassador, while the glamorous Ashley Hart, fresh from New York, was named as the Ambassador of the Australian F1 Grand Prix.
With grandstand and corporate sales tracking 35 percent better than last year at a similar time the event is set to be bigger than ever despite the cuts in non-essential hospitality, cosmetic and service costs.
In the support paddock will be the tried and true V8 supercars having their final shakedown before the domestic season heats up, including Sports car GTs, a revamped Lexus Celebrity race and the new Red Bull Race Off .
Lexus and the AGP will also be doing their part in helping the Queensland flood victims by auctioning off one of the rides in the celebrity challenge on eBay, with the winning bid going to assist flood victims.
The Red Bull Race Off will pit two Formula 1 drivers at the opposite ends of their careers, namely David Coulthard and Daniel Ricciardo. V8 Supercar driver Rick Kelly and motorcycle daredevil Robbie Maddison will go head-to-head in a show race, driving specially modified and identical Renault Sport Megane 250s.
With new, inexpensive daily ticket options, trackside entertainment, V8 supercars, a host of other racing and motorsport displays and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the four day party beginning on Thursday 24th of March promises to be better than ever.
Schumacher hopeful in 2011
In other Formula 1 news, Michael Schumacher believes he can shake off the mediocrity of his comeback season and take an unprecedented eighth world championship this year.
The 42-year-old failed to reach the podium in 19 races last year and was completely beaten by teammate Nico Rosberg who finished 70 points ahead of the German.
Mercedes GP are putting a disappointing season behind them by committing to a long-term future in Formula 1 by signing Schumacher to a three year contract. Despite finishing fourth in the constructors’ championship in 2010, Michael Schumacher nor Nico Rosberg were able to consistently challenge for top honours.
Mercedes only returned to the Formula 1 arena as a factory team in 2010 after taking over the Brawn GP team at the end of 2009 and parent company Daimler’s CEO, Dieter Zetsche, believes that the team will only improve in 2011 as confidence is boosted by team principal Ross Brawn overseeing an improved technical package.
Schumacher commenced track testing the new car in Valencia on 1st February ahead of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix in March.
Massa fastest in tyre test sessions
At the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, Felipe Massa finished fastest on the first day of the Pirelli tyre test sessions. The Ferrari driver topped the timesheets after 94 laps on tyres provided by the Italian manufacturer, who will replace Bridgestone as sole tyre supplier for Formula 1 from 2011.
As Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren set the pace, Massa finished the day with a best time of 1 minute 40.170 seconds, over three-tenths faster than new world champion Sebastian Vettel, who completed 77 laps on the new Pirelli rubber for Red Bull.
