Looking Forward to the USGP

By this time next year there is a very likely chance that the United States will not only have returned to the Formula One calendar, but become the only nation with two races per season. While Bernie and the boys like to make headlines saying that the events may not be ready, the Korean Grand Prix shows that as long as the track is done by the date there will be a race (for better or worse). Originally, Austin was slated to make its debut last weekend, though it has now been moved to a much better date for weather. Next season it is almost assured that the dream of an F1 race in New York will finally come to fruition, much in the way the Giants represent New York via New Jersey. With both races slated to go forward in 2013, the American fan will have a prime opportunity to attend and observe the marvel of Formula One up-close for the first time in years.

The Circuit of the Americas, in all of its awkwardly named glory, will present a prime return for Formula One to the US. While Indianapolis is the traditional home of open-wheel racing in the US, the road course there was bland and not very good for racing, though it did present a unique setup challenge with the banked turn. CotA is an interesting layout, although one that borrows extremely heavily from other circuits in an amalgamation of corners from Silverstone, Hungaroring, and Hockenheim. It is the first half of the circuit which will be the best test of the track and drivers, while the so-called "Arena" section will present a relatively boring section of the race. The hairpin at the top of the circuit is almost the reverse of what is presented in Hockenheim, and likely won't be an ideal place to overtake due to the less than ideal run up. The long back straight will provide the highest speeds and best location for a DRS zone, along with hopefully some of the best seating for fans. Turn 1 is likely the most intriguing corner on track, with its long straight and hard uphill braking zone. All in all the track should provide high-speeds and an average laptime/speed close to that of top five tracks.

The street circuit at Port Imperial will present the best track of the 2013 season should it be completed in time. Not only does the Manhattan skyline present something which no other circuit save Monaco has, but the elevation change of over 150 feet is one of the greatest on the calendar as well. In fact, Monaco is a fitting comparison to the circuit in feel, with the long winding uphill climb and tight nature that the circuit will provide. Montreal, which will come before it on the calendar, also is a close comparison in the speeds which the drivers will encounter. The stunning view will be available only to spectators as speeds could easily reach 190+mph on the winding section of JFK Blvd or the flat out Port Imperial Blvd. The descent from the Palisades will present a flat-out left hander allowing high speeds and a prime passing opportunity into the hairpin. While CotA provides the return of F1 to the United States, it will be next summer that the premier venue for Formula One opens its doors the weekend after Montreal.

The prospects of the Formula One in the US are steadily growing, and with two coming races fans will be able to attend the best race for them. 2013 will be an exciting year for Formula One, especially here in the US.