First pictures: Pit lane entry changes at Oz GP.

Work is progressing on the straightening of the pit lane entry at Melbourne's Albert Park, ahead of the start of the 2004 Formula One World Championship season at the Foster's Australian Grand Prix on March 4-7.

The entry to pit lane at the previous GPs in Melbourne curved around the orange digger in the pictures shown.

It is expected that the changes will cut three to five seconds off the overall length of pitstops as timed from the start of the pit entry road to the end of the pit exit.

That will mean three-pitstop strategies, rather than the traditional two stops, for the 20 Formula One cars and drivers in the race, adding to the excitement and strategies involved in what is already a split-second sport.

The works should be competed before Christmas.

Pictures courtey of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.