Austin layout unveiled

Date published : 01 Sep 2010 - 14:00:45

The man behind the United States Grand Prix has paid homage to some of Formula One's legendary tracks after unveiling the layout of his circuit for the first time.

The city of Austin in Texas is due to host the USGP in 2012 after signing a 10-year deal in May, with a purpose-built facility to be constructed close to the city's airport.

There is a sweep of bends at turns three, four, five and six similar to the Maggotts-Becketts complex at Silverstone. Turns 12, 13, 14 and 15 are reminiscent of the stadium complex at Germany's Hockenheimring, while turns 16, 17 and 18 are a triple apex right-hander akin to Istanbul's renowned turn eight.

After consulting with track designer Hermann Tilke, the Austin venue has finally come to light, with the anti-clockwise 3.4-mile circuit planned to incorporate 20 turns.

"It should be nice. I think drivers and fans should really like it," Tavo Hellmund, the managing partner of promoters Full Throttle Productions, told Austin newspaper American-Statesman.

Crucially for Formula One 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," added Hellmund.

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," said Hellmund.