Toro Rosso's Brendon Hartley hopes there will be some Kiwi support for him in Melbourne, with Sunday's race being the closest to his hometown or Palmerston North in New Zealand.
Sunday's Grand Prix will mark the start of Hartley's first full season in Formula One, after his recruitment at Toro Rosso towards the end of last season. The 28-year-old spoke of the race in Australia, saying:
"Thinking about Australia it's probably the race I'm looking forward to the most ,.
"It's the first race of the season and it's a few months since we've got to start the race, so there's a lot of adrenaline and excitement.
"Also, it will almost feel like a home race for me, there's a big difference between Australia and New Zealand, anytime you talk to Aussie or a Kiwi you learn that pretty quickly!"
Despite this big difference in countries, Hartley is hopeful of his nation supporting him, saying:
"When I was back home in New Zealand, every second or third person I spoke to Australia, rejoiced Hartley;
"So I'm hoping to see a few Kiwi flags around which will be a special moment for me!"
Last October, Hartley became the first Kiwi to race in F1 since Mike Thackwell in 1984. Who knows, maybe he will pave the way for more.
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