The 40th anniversary of the first Australian Grand Prix to host a Formula 1 World Drivers round in Adelaide has recently been and gone as the memories flood back to an event, which raised the bar of how these events were run.
Similar to Formula 1’s growth now, the early-1980s was another boom period for the sport and Bernie Ecclestone was on the search for new cities where street circuits were to be utilised instead of permanent facility to bring the action to the masses.
Another goal for Ecclestone was to expand to markets outside of Europe, so work had begun in Australia to build up the local Grand Prix into a big event.
Starting in 1980 when Alan Jones won in his title-winning Williams FW07 and Bruno Giacomelli drove his Alfa Romeo at Calder Park, promoter Bob Jane invited many Formula 1 drivers to contest the race.
Regulations changed from F5000 to Formula Atlantic regulations from 1981 drivers such as Nelson Piquet, Jaques Laffite, Roberto Moreno, Alain Prost, Allan Berg, Keke Rosberg, Andrea de Cesaris, François Hesnault and Niki Lauda.
Jane was hoping to bring the Grand Prix to Calder Park thanks to future upgrades made to the facility including a track extension, but Adelaide being supported by its State Government and the Commonwealth won the race to host.
The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix became the final race of the season held on a hybrid street circuit featuring permanent sections situated in Victoria Park.
It was a perfect location situated close to the city and within parkland and as for the layout, the circuit quickly became a favourite within the Formula 1 paddock.
A massive win for Adelaide as it kicked its dreary, sleepy moniker to become a popular tourist destination even outside the Formula 1 event.
Many moments occurred during its 11-year stint as a Grand Prix circuit, but despite its title of the season-ending race just two titles were decided on the Adelaide streets.
Melbourne stole the Australian Grand Prix in 1994 and the Albert Park circuit debuted two years later where it has remained ever since.
Adelaide still remains a favourite of past drivers and many were disappointed about the shift, no less the locals.
Supercars now contest the bp Adelaide Grand Final on a shortened version of the original layout.