Wow! Can't believe it's virtually race day in Malaysia already, and formulafrontrow.com has just caught our breath from a fantastic season opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix. Congratulations to Jenson Button and the McLaren team in securing a scintillating victory. In what was a mesmerising race with sterling drives and tales of woe up and down the pitlane, Jenson Button and McLaren's control of the race was awe-inspiring. In true Albert Park fashion, there was the familiar Safety Car intervention. However, they kept their composure, and when racing resumed, quickly scurried to safety outside the DRS detection point, thus eliminating any counterattack. Maintaining a race winning gap, it was truly a dominant display.
    Inevitably there was contact in Turn 1 when the lights went out, of which the two Australians were involved in. Forced to pit and rejoining in last place, Daniel Ricciardo hauled his pulling to one side Toro Rosso into the points in what was his Albert Park racing debut. Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber made a sluggish start and subsequently got bullied into Turn 1, but still achieved his best Australian Grand Prix result to date with 4th place. Typical feisty drives from the two Aussies.
    The question we'd like to raise concerns safety. The releasing of lapped cars behind the Safety Car to rejoin at the back of the pack sounds good in theory, but it certainly looked ugly in the race with the chance of contact seemingly high with leading cars weaving to warm their tyres. Communication between the pit wall and the drivers needs to be quick and precise. Also, the newly introduced electronically operated LED light flag marshals, whilst undoubtedly provide immeasurable assistance to drivers and marshals alike, seemed to be mounted a lot lower on the fencing this year. Surely they could be fixed on the top of the fencing and angled down? They are extremely bright, would still be in the driver's peripheral vision and would certainly not protrude.
    Lastly, with the BBC only showing 10 races live, of which Australia was not one, and the rest delayed extended highlights, surely this finally puts to bed the argument about the time difference and the Australian Grand Prix's starting time. Those that want to watch all the races live can, on Sky Sports. Let us know what you think. Email us at greenflag@formulafrontrow.com or simply leave a comment.
    The atmosphere at the circuit was electric tinged with uncertain anticipation. Melbourne looks spectacular on TV. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation should be highly commended for producing another stunning event and showcasing Australia to the rest of the world.
    Thanks Melbourne. Can't wait for 2013....    

    As the 2012 Formula One season opener in Melbourne looms and winter pre-season testing revealing little, can't help but wonder what will be this year's must have component.
    In 2009, in an effort to slow the cars and improve racing, the cars were stripped of numerous aerodynamic appendages. The F1 teams countered the lack of aero grip by exploiting a rule ambiguity that allowed a double diffuser. In 2010, the double diffuser was outlawed, but this time the teams came up with the F-duct. This was deemed a moveable aerodynamic device and subsequently banned for 2011. Last season, we had hot and cold exhaust gas blown rear diffusers, whereas exhaust gases were still feeding the rear diffuser even when the driver was off the throttle. Now they've been banned for 2012, with the governing body decreeing a common position for exhaust exits.
    Has the governing body finally achieved what they endeavoured to do in 2009, or will the teams come up with a must have component for 2012? Send us an email at greenflag@formulafrontrow.com or simply leave a comment.
    Melbourne is a fantastic location to start the Formula One season and showcase all Down Under has to offer to the world. We truly love our sport in Australia, and wholeheartedly embrace Formula One as the world's premier motorsport. 
    formulafrontrow.com is heading down early with Nikons in tow to soak up all the atmosphere. Our next post will display images from the 2012 Formula One Australian Grand Prix. See you in Melbourne........