Will a fourth DRS zone mean more overtaking in Australia?

Since its introduction to the Formula 1 calendar in 1996, Melbourne's Albert Park has developed a reputation as a circuit which produces little in the way of overtaking opportunities.

An unusual combination of being a street circuit but with characteristics of a permanent racing venue, the home of the Australian Grand Prix has undergone a redesign ahead of the 2022 edition with input into that taken from the drivers.

The chicane at Turns 9 and 10 has been removed, turning that into a faster, sweeping bend and reducing the number of corners from 16 to 14, while other corners have been widened by between 2.5 metres and seven metres. The track itself has also been resurfaced for the first time since its inaugural Grand Prix was held there 26 years ago.

Yet the aspect of Albert Park which has created the most buzz is not so much the changes which have been made which are expected to see the cars lapping five seconds quicker, but the announcement this year's race will feature a record four DRS zones.

"I think with the new design at Albert Park, it's really focused on improving the racing, the spectacle on Sunday, to create more opportunities for overtaking," McLaren's Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo said ahead of his home race.

"It's a beautiful circuit but it's always been quite narrow and tight, and therefore quite tricky to overtake on.

"So, we've really tried to exploit some areas to allow more slipstreaming, to allow for more chances for overtaking under braking. So, I think it's going to be a different spectacle this time round."

As with the 2019 edition - the last Australian Grand Prix to be held prior to the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the 2020 race cancelled - there will be DRS zones in place on the start-finish