Originally Posted by Valve Bounce
OK, I just picked this post to reply to because many here, including myself, were puzzled as to why quals was cancelled. What if this happened just after the start?
Let me explain : Melbourne does not get the type of tropical downpours that one sees in KL, Singapore or even Hong Kong. So the pavement profiles (crossfall) and drainage are designed for the local conditions. Then there is the issue of the Albert Park track itself. I have a plan of the circuit, so I will try to give posters here a rundown on the normal usage of the roads that make up the track.
Turn 3 is near the aquatic centre and many cars go past it from a stop start situation, so it could be greasy. Turn 4 to 5 is a car park, so again you will have a different surface crossfall as well as texture. Turn 5 to 6 is normally closed during the year. Turn 6 to half way between turns 12 and 13 are heavily trafficked by commuters (not trucks) every day except during the GP with a speed limit of 50 kph. Turn 13 to turn 2 is very lightly trafficked and has a chicane of bollards at the pits and a speed limit of 40 kph normally.
Now for those who are wondering what the heck I am talking about, well the widely varying conditions outlined above will result in a different surface texture and profile, which gives the track different conditions when it rains.
So, I hope this helps to explain the treacherous conditions when it rains, not to mention the narrow sections of the track in many parts.