DRIVERS contesting Sunday's Australian Grand Prix have given the redeveloped Albert Park circuit their seal of approval. Virtually every driver has praised the new Melbourne track. Some have even suggested it could be the most formidable and beautiful circuit in the world.

Double world champion Michael Schumacher, who makes his first grand prix appearance for Ferrari on Sunday, said he felt it was fast and exciting.

Jacques Villeneuve, the Canadian who won the Indy Car championship in the US last season, said he had seen six potential overtaking places and praised the circuit for its high-speed nature and the challenge of its corners. "It looks great," added Villeneuve, who will be making his F1 debut with the Williams team.

The circuit is expected to be one of the fastest in the world with average speeds of about 200 kph and top speeds reaching 300 kph.