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.

Ferrari: Fluke or Future?

Ferrari Driver Fernando Alonso at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix
Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/Getty Images

     With the surprising victory of Ferrari driver Fernando Alsono at the rain-soaked Malaysian Grand Prix, many have begun to wonder if we could soon see more of the boys in red at the front. Was this race just a fluke due to crazy weather or is this the start of a resurgence? Can Alsono push the car to achieve more than any one thinks possible? While I don't doubt Alonso's skill as a driver, I do seriously doubt the ability of the Ferrari to drive up front.
   
     The biggest factor holding back the car is the terrible qualifying positions relative to their rivals. Although we are only two races into this young season, Ferrari is one for four getting drivers into Q3 (Alonso at Malaysia) while their rivals at Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren are four for four (with McLaren locking out the front row in each race). Lotus has almost matched the top three at going three for four, and even the mid-pack is doing as well as Ferrari. Poor qualifying usually translates into being in a poor position during the race and poor results. The changing conditions in Malaysia obviously mixes things up quite a bit, but even in these conditions the Ferrari was no match even for the Sauber of Sergio Perez who was consistently lapping close to a second faster during parts of the race even though Perez wasn't able to close out the race due to team and driver mistakes.
   
     If Ferrari is going to turn this result into something other than a fluke of the weather they will need to push hard developing it over the next three weeks. The upcoming race in Shanghai will be a key test for the car, especially if it is a dry race. They have benefited from failures by other drivers and the weather to get where they are now. A good performance in Shanghai from Alonso will give the team greater confidence, but in truth the team needs to see a better race out of Fillipe Massa. As Massa stuggles, so does Ferrari. He needs to be able to not only turn in a good result, but show that he can match Alonso in pace even if the car isn't up to standards. Should Massa improve over the next three weeks and lodge a good result in China, Ferrari as a whole will have shown some good progress. They may not challenge the top three teams for a manufacturers championship but at least the season won't be a total disaster. Ferrari has many challenges ahead and little time to fix them. So was Malaysia a fluke or the true future of Ferrari? Only time will truly tell.

Introduction

Welcome to the Formula 1 America blog! This blog is dedicated to covering Formula 1 (and occasionally other motor sports) from an American point-of-view. During race weeks we will be keeping up to date with the happenings on and off the track including my own personal commentary and views. Off race weekends will feature in-depth previews of coming races, detailed looks at how the teams are progressing, and taking a look back to great races and cars of the past.

With the upcoming renewal of the United States Grand Prix this year in Austin, TX and the hopeful arrival of a second Grand Prix in New Jersey in 2013 times have never looked better for America in F1. By increasing not only the awareness of Formula 1 in America but giving a point of view from the states will hopefully help these events and the sport itself excel here once more.

I hope you enjoy reading and please leave comments or questions.

Thank You,
Litchfield