Attendance for this year's Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is on track to reach record numbers, reinforcing Melbourne as being in pole position to host the world's biggest events.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined representatives from the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to watch the race day crowd stream through the gates before racing gets underway.
More than 300,000 people have already lapped up the adrenaline-pumping action over the past three days, with an expected crowd of 130,000 set to race through the gates at Albert Park today.
Lights out is at 3pm, when the world's best drivers will go wheel to wheel around the Albert Park street circuit - in what is expected to be the fastest race on record. Melbourne's own Oscar Piastri will race in an F1 car in front of a home crowd for the first time.
The next generation of Australian motorsport stars are shining bright on the global stage at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit for the first time, with four young Aussies in the driving seat for the F2 and F3 support categories.
Globally recognised as the best touring car category in the world, Supercars will again race for championship points, which has been a highlight of the Australian Grand Prix on-track line-up since 2018.
Ticket holders will also enjoy plenty of off-track entertainment featuring music from homegrown Australian artists, and attractions the whole family will enjoy.
Victoria's enviable calendar of major events gives locals the chance to enjoy world-class action, while providing a massive boost to our economy of around $2.5 billion a year.
Last year's Australian Grand Prix broke the attendance record for the biggest attendance at a race weekend at Albert Park, with more than 419,000 people streaming through the gates over the four days.
In 2022, more than 4.5 million attendees enjoyed events across sport, art, theatre, food and fashion - bringing Victoria to life and delivering a huge number of visitors to the state.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Hundreds of thousands of fans from all around the world have already poured through the gates here at Albert Park - delivering a huge win for local businesses and jobs."
"There's never been a better time to visit Melbourne because there is something for every taste - from comedy shows, food festivals, art exhibitions and live music."
As stated by Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott
" We couldn't be prouder to be hosting Formula 1 here in Melbourne, where the appetite for major events is at an all-time high - Melbourne will shine on a global stage in a very big way."
