Top drivers don't want Melbourne resurfacing (Update)

Anyone who thinks Albert Park needs resurfacing has not driven on the washboard tracks in the USA

Melbourne to get resurfacing even though drivers say don't waste your money

UPDATE (GMM) Organizers of the Australian grand prix look set to proceed with a full resurfacing of the Albert Park track in Melbourne.

Last weekend for the 2019 season opener, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel urged against the resurfacing, saying the bumps are part of the character of the venue.

"We will have to get the report back from (acting race director) Michael Masi, but I think we will be resurfacing in the next year or two," Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Andrew Westacott told The Age.

He also suggested that other "tweaks" to the circuit could be made, amid claims overtaking is too difficult at Albert Park.

"As the cars keep evolving we will do what we can to evolve the circuit," said Westacott.

The tweaks could involve changes to the camber, the width and the entry and exit of some corners.

"Ross Brawn will also be consulted but no call will be made for six or nine months," said Westacott.

Cracks in the Sebring surface will soon swallow a race car

03/17/19 (GMM) Championship rivals Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel think organizers of the Australian grand prix should not resurface the Albert Park track.

Days ago, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief Andrew Westacott declared: "It is likely the circuit might need resurfacing."

But Ferrari's Vettel said after qualifying in Melbourne that the circuit's bumps are "part of the character" of the track.

"I hope they don't resurface it," he added.

Pole sitter Hamilton agrees: "I like the track the way it is.

"The bumps are part of the character of what Melbourne is so if you were to iron those out it would lose something. It does make it trickier for us but that's a part of it.

"I don't like the circuits that are super flat and super smooth, don't cause us troubles. This weekend we have to live with a certain amount of vibration and your fillings coming out but that's motor racing — hard core motor racing," the Mercedes driver added.