Australian Grand Prix 1996 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Damon Hill opened the 1996 season with a commanding victory at the inaugural Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, converting Williams-Renault's superiority into the perfect start to his championship campaign. The Englishman led home rookie teammate Jacques Villeneuve in a Williams one-two finish that sent an ominous message to their rivals.

Villeneuve's debut was sensational, claiming pole position in his first-ever Formula 1 qualifying session and leading the early stages before being passed by the more experienced Hill. The Canadian finished second in a stunning start to his F1 career, demonstrating the raw speed and fearless racing that had made him the 1995 IndyCar champion. Eddie Irvine completed the podium for Ferrari in third place, giving Michael Schumacher's new team a solid points haul in his debut race for the Scuderia.

The race at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit marked a new chapter for the Australian Grand Prix, moving from Adelaide to a purpose-built street circuit around a picturesque lake. Hill's victory was the ideal start to his title challenge, while Schumacher's Ferrari debut ended in retirement with brake failure, an inauspicious beginning to his mission to restore the Scuderia to championship glory. The Williams one-two showcased the FW18's dominance and set the tone for what would be a successful season for the team.