Formula One drivers have given the Australian Grand Prix a unanimous vote as the ideal race to kick-start the season.
In the face of the annual public debate over the value of the event, world champions joined local hopes Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo in a show of support for Melbourne.
McLaren's British driver Jenson Button, who won in Melbourne in 2009 and 2010, says the Australian race is without doubt the best season-opener.
Practice starts Friday with qualifying Saturday.
