F1: Austin Track Borrows Classic Corners

Formula 1

F1: Austin Track Borrows Classic Corners

The layout of the new Formula One circuit coming to Austin, Texas, will feature characteristics from other tracks...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted September 01, 2010 Balen (BEL)

The layout of the new Formula One track coming to Austin, Texas, will resemble other tracks in some areas. (Image: Hermann Tilke)

Austin F1 promoter Tavo Hellmund has revealed a plan of the Hermann Tilke-designed track, and as previously reported, it has corners "borrowed" from other circuits.

Hellmund showed the plans to the city's Statesman newspaper, which has generally taken a somewhat sceptical line about the race.

Hellmund said that turns 3-6 are a nod to Maggotts/Becketts at Silverstone, turns 12-15 are a reflection of Hockenheim's stadium, and turns 16-18 are intended to mirror Turn 8 at Istanbul.

However, he says that Turn 1, which is an uphill hairpin, will be the track's own "signature" corner. The track is 3.4 miles long.

Hellmund told the paper: "It should be nice, I think drivers and fans should like it."

The track promoter believes the Austin configuration will garner wide support.

A 3-D map of the track in Austin, Texas. (Image: Courtesy of Tavo Hellmund)

“In the modern era of Grand Prix racing, I think this track layout and topography will be very special," Hellmund said in an official release. "It will have many of the elements of previous ‘classic’ circuits combined with the benefits of FIA-mandated safety for the competitors and spectators alike. Add in the amenities fans have come to expect, like rare, multiple-turn viewing opportunities for added value, and you have an ideal, world-class venue.

“For the competitors, we’ll have all the ingredients necessary. 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. We have a good deal of elevation to make it not only scenic but challenging also, and the view of downtown Austin is wonderful as well.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 25th season as a racing journalist in 2009. Born in London, England, he saw his first F1 race at age 10 in 1976. He began freelancing for Autosport magazine in 1985 and was on the fulltime staff from 1987-92. He then went freelance again, initially spending two years in Japan before following the 1994 Champcar series from a base in Indianapolis. He has not missed a Grand Prix since Suzuka ‘94, a run that has extended to Abu Dhabi ’09. Adam has written books about Eddie Irvine, Piers Courage and Michael Schumacher and hosts a race preview show on Sirius XM. He has written about F1 for SPEEDtv.com since 2005. Check out Adam's Blog or follow him on Twitter