The Australian Grand Prix was first held in 1985 on a street circuit in Adelaide and was the last race of each season. In 1996, it switched to Melbourne’s Albert Park and the start of the season.

The circuit can be dusty and is tough on brakes. Drivers approach the first corner at more than 300 kph.

Australian Grands Prix have been dramatic and 1991 was the shortest race in Formula One history, stopped after 14 laps because of heavy rain.

Venue: Albert Park. 5.303 km (3.295 miles) street circuit. Race to be held over 58 laps (307.574 km/191.110 miles).

Start time: 0430 GMT

2007 pole position: Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 1:26.072.

Lap record: Michael Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari, 1:24.125 (2004).

ROLL OF HONOUR

(Read as: Year, Driver, Location)

In Melbourne

2007 - Kimi Räikkönen, Ferrari

2006 - Fernando Alonso, Renault

2005 - Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault

2004 - Michael Schumacher, Ferrari

2003 - David Coulthard, McLaren-Mercedes

2002 - Schumacher, Ferrari

2001 - Schumacher, Ferrari

2000 - Schumacher, Ferrari

1999 - Eddie Irvine, Ferrari

1998 - Mika Häkkinen, McLaren-Mercedes

1997 - David Coulthard, McLaren-Mercedes

1996 - Damon Hill, Williams-Renault

In Adelaide

1995 - Hill, Williams-Renault

1994 - Nigel Mansell, Williams-Renault

1993 - Ayrton Senna, McLaren-Ford

1992 - Gerhard Berger, McLaren-Honda

1991 - Ayrton Senna, McLaren-Honda

1990 - Nelson Piquet, Benetton-Ford

1989 - Thierry Boutsen, Williams-Renault

1988 - Alain Prost, McLaren-Honda

1987 - Gerhard Berger, Ferrari

1986 - Alain Prost, McLaren-TAG

1985 - Keke Rosberg, Williams-Honda

Note: Races held from 1928 to 1984 were not part of the F1 World Championship.

Last 5 races in Melbourne

2007 - Raikkonen

Raikkonen won on his Ferrari debut after starting from pole. Alonso was second for McLaren with debutant Hamilton, who overtook his Spanish teammate at the start, third after leading for four laps.

2006 -Alonso

Alonso took his second win of the season in an incident-packed race. Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and teammate Felipe Massa both crashed.

2005 - Fisichella

Fisichella's second career win came from pole after a rain-hit qualifying. Schumacher started on the back row and retired after a collision with German compatriot Nick Heidfeld.

2004 - Schumacher

Ferrari ran away with the season-opener after blitzing their rivals in practice. Schumacher started on pole and set the fastest lap. He went on to equal Nigel Mansell’s 1992 feat of winning the first five races of the season.

2003 - Coulthard

Coulthard’s 13th win ended Ferrari and Schumacher's record run of success. Schumacher finished outside the top three for the first time since 2001.