Layout unveiled for Austin

Texas track to include four overtaking spots

Last updated: 1st September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Layout unveiled for Austin

Hellmund: Revealed track plans

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Promoters of the United States Grand Prix have unveiled details of the Austin track.

Formula One will return to the USA following a five year hiatus, after a 10-year deal was agreed in May for Austin to host the USGP from 2012.

After consulting with track designer Hermann Tilke, the Texas-based facility is to be constructed close to the city's airport, with the anti-clockwise 3.4-mile circuit planned to incorporate 20 turns.

According to Tavo Hellmund, the managing partner of promoters Full Throttle Productions, some sections of the course will share qualities with its European counterparts.

Bends at turns three to six will be similar to the Maggotts-Becketts complex at Silverstone, turns 12 to15 are reminiscent of Germany's Hockenheimring, while 16, 17 and 18 are a triple apex right-hander akin to Istanbul's renowned turn eight.

"It should be nice. I think drivers and fans should really like it," Hellmund told Austin newspaper American-Statesman.

Crucially for F1 there are four overtaking spots, notably the uphill turn one which Hellmund feels will be the circuit's signature corner.

"Everybody will pull out and probably go three-wide into that braking turn," he added.

It will also likely be the highest point of a track that further boasts a 1200-metre straight, will have top speeds of around 200mph and be able to hold up to 130,000-140,000 fans.

It is hoped construction will start in December, although Hellmund is reluctant to mention a timescale as yet. "I don't want to put a date on it. Everybody is hustling and bustling," he said.