Austin 2012 Grand Prix

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.

However, he says that Turn 1, which is an uphill hairpin, will be the track's own "signature" corner.
“The area has natural elevation differences, which promises a fast track with difficult corners,” Hellmund was quoted 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) 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. In common with just three other current F1 venues - Istanbul Park, Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit and Interlagos in Brazil - it will run in an anticlockwise direction.

Rumours indicate that the track that is being built specifically for the Grand Prix weekends will run Austin, Texas as much as $200 million.  So looking back at a previous blog. 'Counting The Cost Of Formula One' it seems that this particular city will be in debt for sometime. It is not like the the USA is in an economic crisis already that they can afford a track and facilities like this.  In the long run, yes, it will pay off, but at the current time?  Not very helpful to such a nation in debt.

Even still, they go ahead with the plans on hosting a grand prix weekend in 2012.“In the modern era of Grand Prix racing, I think this track layout and topography will be very special," Austin F1 promoter Tavo 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.”

To keep up to date with the development of the track, Austin F1 has their own website as well.

Here are some fun facts about the city of Austin.

• -In addition to the State of Texas being the 11th strongest economy in the world, it has more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state.
• - State capital nicknamed ‘Silicon Hills’ for being one of the most important regions in the US for the Technology Industry;
• - USA’s 15th largest city and is located 145 miles from Houston (4th largest US city), 70 miles from San Antonio (7th largest US city), and 180 miles from Dallas (8th largest US city), population in this triangle is over 22 million;
• - perfectly located geographically for North, South and Central American visitors;
• - over 130 daily departing international flights within 180 miles;
• - over 250,000 hotel rooms within 180 miles;
• - desirable year-round climate, with an average annual temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius);
• - geographically located in the Texas Hill Country, easily the most beautiful city in the State, and considered one of the most in the US;
• - hotels/downtown/Formula 1 circuit/airport located within close proximity of each other, which is nearly impossible for any other large city in the US;
• - world class night life entertainment along renowned ‘Sixth Street’; and
• - large film industry presence - many movies filmed in the area.