Meanwhile, Austin, Texas, is home to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a top-grade motor racing track and the setting for the United States Grand Prix. Planners built it specifically for Formula 1, and it was the first circuit of its kind in the United States.
In fact, it opened in October 2012 with a ceremony led by Mario Andretti. Hermann Tilke designed it, with former motorcycle racer Kevin Schwantz as a consultant, and the Grand Prix returned after Indianapolis last hosted it in 2007.
Likewise, today COTA ranks among the most popular modern circuits, and a music festival around race weekend draws a large crowd. Furthermore, the lap borrows ideas from some of the legendary circuits in Formula 1, with 20 corners in total.
For example, the COTA tower is a landmark in true American fashion. Indeed, Standing at 76.5 metres, it gives some of the best views around the circuit, and, strangely enough, it sits outside the track near Turns 16 to 18. In addition, fans climb a 419-step helix staircase or take an elevator, and a glass window in part of the floor lets daring visitors look straight down at the track.
The Circuit of the Americas Track
As a result, the esses at Turns 3 to 6 echo Silverstone’s high-speed Maggotts and Becketts. Before that, the uphill run to Turn 1 is extremely steep and wide, and it has produced some good overtaking in recent years. However, it is also a blind apex that often sees first-lap incidents.
After the climb, a long back straight of about 1.2 kilometres leads to the hairpin at Turn 12, another good place to pass. Moreover, Turns 13 to 15 are the trickiest part, a run of very complex corners. Then a quadruple right-hand turn, which sometimes feels like an endless bend, flows into Turn 19, where many drivers get into trouble by using too much of the track.
Because the track sits on clay soil, the surface is bumpy, and that makes car set-up more difficult.
Circuit of the Americas Fast Facts
| Circuit of the Americas Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | United States Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Circuit of the Americas |
| Location | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Lap Length | 5.513 km (3.426 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 56 |
| Race Distance | 308.432 km (191.651 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 20 |
| First Grand Prix | 2012 |
Conclusion
Still, COTA wins its fans with the steep climb to Turn 1 and its flowing esses. Meanwhile, our Formula 1 hub, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website have the race times, session times, results and official notices.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Circuit of the Americas?
Similarly, In Austin, Texas, USA.
How Long Is the Circuit of the Americas?
A lap measures 5.513 km (3.426 miles), so 56 laps add up to 308.432 km (191.651 miles).
How Many Laps Does the United States Grand Prix Have?
Overall, the cars complete 56 laps, covering 308.432 km (191.651 miles).
How Many Corners Does COTA Have?
Next, the lap has 20 corners.
When Did COTA Host Its First Formula 1 Race?
Moreover, In 2012.
Who Designed COTA?
Similarly, Hermann Tilke designed the track, with former motorcycle racer Kevin Schwantz as a consultant.
When Did COTA Open?
Overall, the circuit opened in October 2012, with a ceremony led by Mario Andretti.
