After a visit from Formula 1 officials yesterday, Austin’s Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is right on track to host the United States Grand Prix in November, according to a press release from COTA.
Charles Whiting, the director of racing, safety and technical matters for the Fédération Internationale de l’ Automobile (FIA), the international body that oversees F1 racing, declared Austin’s track “ready to race.” His approval is necessary for an F1 circuit to conduct Grand Prix races.
The track was awarded a Grade 1 designation, the highest distinction that can be given to a motorsports venue. Whiting declared that the circuit was “built to the highest quality” and that he had “no complaints whatsoever.” The inspection included checking the asphalt to ensure it is in line with FIA requirements, as well as examining safety measures such as guard rails and fencing. COTA emphasizes that Whiting had particular praise for the design of the turns, pronouncing the circuit’s signature turn “awesome.”
The Grand Prix will take place Nov. 16 to 18. Below, check out a video of the then under construction track, produced for KUT News by Axel Gerdau and shot by Daniel Deloach and Gerdau.
