The Grand Prix is back.

Whether we just didn’t realise how good this event is, or we’ve all been Driven to Survive, Albert Park has been alive this week like never before.

Don’t forget, if you’ve seen something Hot, Not, or that makes you go What, hit us up on the Socials @theracetorque, with the best takes making this week’s edition of the Doric Power Rankings.

Our mate

You may have noticed that our editor Craill has been somewhat missing in action from this site over race week.

As they say in the classics, he “has had a bit on” commentating a little class called Formula 1 for Channel 10, in one of their most-watched broadcasts of the year.

We are very proud of our little mate, he is incredibly good at what he does.

Furthermore, as they say in the Doric Power Rankings: “HOT”.

Search and rescue

As you may have noticed, the Albert Park race track goes around a lake.

Just to have all of the health and safety T’s crossed and I’s dotted, rescue boats are located on either side of the pedestrian bridge.

I mean, you just have to immerse yourself in the movie Driven to see what is possible when things go wrong when water is near a race track…

Car spotting

With all of the numbers on modern F1 cars somewhat tiny, every flag point around the circuit is fitted with a spotters guide, aiding them in telling apart competitors when they make a report to race control.

Comfort is king

With the world’s best motorsport camerafolk in attendance, you notice many of them are operating at a high level.

Numerous caged examples, such as above, are furnished with all the trimmings, such as a hammock.

Under and over

How the logistics of making the Albert Park infield work, especially with such a large crowd in attendance, is difficult.

With various VIPs parked in the paddock, plus services requiring access, there are a pair of tunnels carved under the circuit – the entry tunnel just past the pit exit, the outward passage between the final two turns.

This particular example is barely able to fit a car, which makes life somewhat interesting for pedestrians who run it close to wearing a wing mirror on their transit.

Room with a view

It is very noticeable that a few of the fences around the circuit have been realigned in the overhaul of the layout.

This area previously was a part of the runoff area at the exit of turn three, on the inside of turn four.

This year it has been home to one of a number of new hospitality venues.

Nice view if you can get it.

Pit straight furniture

Further to our Friday piece on the info boards around the track at each flag point, each row of the grid has its own light panel, which swings out, plus a bespoke controller.

To the right, F1 have drilled a mighty hole in the fence at the start-finish line to install some fancy pants timing kit.

How the other half live

A corporate ticket is absolutely where it is at this weekend at Albert Park.

This is the Ferrari example, and it is plush.

Barebones

Slightly less plush is the press conference room for the Supercars, which is a reasonably intimate affair for 2022.

Blocked

This 1:1 scale lego McLaren is incredibly impressive.

Recycling matters

Here at The Race Torque, we are right behind the concept of recycling.

However, with programs going for $20 a pop, please consider placing excess programs on eBay, rather than in a bin.

Media Centre International Roast Update

Is this still ok for consumption?

Choices

Not only do the engineers have choices with the tyre compounds, elsewhere there are strategic decisions to be made along lines of ultra and super-soft…

Pack up boys, it’s all over

The air transport containers for the team have been residing all weekend in a paddock at the St Kilda end of Albert Park.

We can’t wait to see them again in 12 months time.