Formula 1 comes to the States!, Austin, Tx track design revealed! Options

[NgoFcukinWay]

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/9/11198.html



For those too lazy to click the link:

Race organisers for the forthcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, have released a draft layout of the new circuit that will stage the event from 2012, when Formula One racing returns to the country for the first time in five years.

Working with renowned track architect Hermann Tilke, organisers Full Throttle Productions LP have drawn inspiration from the best circuits around the world, as well as taking advantage of the site’s natural topography to include some dramatic elevation changes.

Turns 3 through 6 look not dissimilar to Silverstone’s high-speed Maggotts/Becketts; Turns 12 through 15 give a nod to Hockenheim's stadium section; and Turns 16 through 18 will mirror the infamous, multi-apex Turn 8 at Istanbul Park.

“The area has natural elevation differences, which promises a fast track with difficult corners,” Hellmund told Formula1.com recently. “But the most essential thing is that has to be a masterpiece in its suitability for fans. Spectators have to be able to see large parts of the track from wherever they are.”

The 3.4 mile (5.47 kilometre), anticlockwise circuit features 20 turns and a total elevation change of 133 feet (40.5 metres), including a steep, uphill run into the hairpin Turn 1, which is expected to become the venue’s signature corner.

Another link:
http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2010/09/...circuit-design/

The circuit design for the new United States Grand Prix in Austin has been revealed by race promoter Tavo Hellmund.

The circuit, which is being purpose-built for grand prix racing by regular track architect Hermann Tilke, appears to be an anti-clockwise configuration bearing similarities to Silverstone, Hockenheim, and Istanbul.

An in-depth look at the circuit sees turns three to six similar to Maggots and Becketts at Silverstone, turns 12 to 15 a nod to the stadium section of Hockenheim, while turns 16 to 18 are modelled on Turn 8 at Istanbul, with the design offering three major opportunities for drivers to overtake.

The track is not entirely borrowed from other circuits, however, with Turn 1—an uphill hairpin—its ‘signature’ corner.

“It should be nice,” said Hellmund. “I think drivers and fans should really like it. You’ll see fast turns that require commitment from the drivers and technical turns that will test the engineers from a set-up point of view.

“It will have many of the elements of previous ‘classic’ circuits and amenities fans have come to expect in an ideal, world-class venue. We have a good deal of elevation to make it not only scenic but also challenging – and the view of downtown Austin is wonderful as well.

He added: “In the modern era of grand prix racing, I think this track layout and topography will be very special.”

Initial reaction to the layout has been mixed, with some supporters condemning its ‘copycat’ nature, which was emphasised by Hellmund.

Construction is expected to begin in December and be completed by June 2012 ahead of its inaugural race.

I can't freakin wait. I'm guessing a 3-day general admissions pass is gonna be in the $700 range with VIP passes almost 10 times that (based on ticket prices for other F1 races). I have 16 months to save up, so here goes nothing. *drops first dollar into F1 Austin bank* I hope they open the track to the public once the season's over. That'd be awesome. lol

[HectortheRican]

............

YESSSSSS!!!!

[manphibian]

Hope they make it possible to overtake at this track

[Random_Stranger]

F1 > Nascar

[HectortheRican]

F1 > Nascar

NASCAR < Anything

[yarik83]

As much as I am thrilled to see Formula 1 return to USA I think it is a lost cause. Just look back at the last few years. We get Scott Speed perform rather ... unspeed like on Speed channel. We get USF1 fail very miserably after boasting in front of entire world. We get a 6 or 8 (forgot how many) cars competing in indianapolis with rest sitting out in protest... I dont know last few years have been quite weird.

What would it mean to build a circuit in Texas? You would expect some sense of pride but in a state filled with Nascar enthusiasts I dont know. But having said that lets not forget that task of building a circuit does not involve just talking about it.. it means building it and completing it. Take Korean race track... its still not built... And race is quite literally scheduled very very soon.

On the other hand it looks like race circuit itself shows some promise minus abnormal amount of straight lines. I guess those were added to promote passing but if we keep getting teams who are 6 seconds slower per lap every lap then nobody passes them anyways and most of F1's running order changes occur during pit strategies.

Overall i think we just need to wait and see. Heck I may even find myself traveling there to see the first race if usagp actually happens.

[Tom_SS2]

NASCAR is that boring race which just goes round in circles for like 100 laps isn't it?

if so;
F1 > NASCAR
but;
BTCC > F1 > NASCAR

[Hanyo]

i hope they make this track available to the general public. I would love to beable to drive on it one of these days.

[NgoFcukinWay]

i hope they make this track available to the general public. I would love to beable to drive on it one of these days.

that's what i'm hoping for

[HectortheRican]

NASCAR is that boring race which just goes round in circles for like 100 laps isn't it?

if so;
F1 > NASCAR
but;
BTCC > F1 > NASCAR

Right on. NASCAR exists because it's easy for drunk rednecks to follow.