CIRCUIT LENGTH: 5.269 KILOMETERS The new Albert Park circuit varies from the original lay-out used in 1953, 1956 and in 1958 in one significant way - the 1996 Formula 1 cars race clockwise, as is the case with most Grand Prix circuits. The track is one of the longest on the Formula 1 calendar: of those in current use, only Spa-Francorchamps (6.974km), Hockenheim (6.815) and Suzuka (5.864) make the cars go farther. PROJECTED SPEED: 200 KM/H+ Computer simulations from Formula 1 teams suggested Albert Park is also be one of the quickest. McLaren forecast a lap time of 1 min 33.04; Renault, who supply engines to Benetton and World Champions Williams, went faster - in theory at least! Their computers suggested 1:33.458. Both times would put the average speed at just over 200 km/h. And so it turned out, as Jacques Villeneuve recorded the fastest lap of the 1996 Transurban Grand Prix in 1:33.421 for an average speed of 204.313 km/h. Click on the map below for a full-size view WHAT A GREAT PLACE FOR A RACE Melbourne boasts a sporting hat-trick that's unique in the world. A short sweep of the horizon on the city's southeastern fringe takes in the world's greatest stadium, the mighty MCG; one of the world's premier indoor sports centres, Melbourne Park; and at the new Albert Park, a Formula 1 circuit to take Grand Prix racing into the 21st century.