Grand Prix draws record crowds: Vic govt

The Australian Formula One Grand Prix has drawn record crowds, the Victorian government says.

Sports Minister John Eren says 270,000 patrons went through the gates last year, but that figure was already surpassed by 10,000 people on Saturday for the March 24-26 event.

"Today, I think we'll improve that yet again. We're hoping close to 300,000 or just over 300,000 people would have attended this very important event this year," Mr Eren told reporters at the Albert Park track on Sunday.