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.

Why The Unpredictability Is Good For Formula One

In the last couple of weeks many people have touched on the inability of insiders and fans to predict just who would win races this season. Early predictions about McLaren dominance or Ferrari failure have largely failed to appear. Instead we have one of the closest seasons in recent memory, if your recent memory forgets about the start of the 2010 season.

Going into 2010 we had five world champions on the grid for the first time. Red Bull had just recently entered the top of the pack the previous year with the tandem of Webber and Vettel. McLaren had two powerhouse drivers in Hamilton and Button. Ferrari had the impressive combination of Alonso and Massa. Mercedes had just come off a dominating performance as Brawn and saw the return of Michael Schumacher alongside Nico Rosberg. In a way not much has changed since then, and even this seasons results bear this out.

That season started with five different drivers winning the first seven races, including four of the first five. While there were no surprise victories like Pastor Maldonado winning in Spain this year, there was no less a sense of unpredictability. And for anyone surprised by Nico Rosberg winning in China, you must not be watching enough F1. Yet, even Maldonado winning in Spain was less of a surprise if you take a close look. The Williams car is obviously better in pace this year than last, and Maldonado would have taken an impressive sixth had he not made a mistake in Australia. He took second in qual (no one can argue it was just the tires with that) and through good driving and good strategy he got his win. If anything the unpredictability comes only from commentators not being able to get their heads around one thing: the field is packed full of good talent and good cars.

On top of all this, many would say we're ready for a season like this after 2009 and 2011. Those seasons saw such dominance that it was more a race for second than for first. A season like 2010 brings more excitement to the track and to the screen each week. It is not that we are expecting a surprise result each week, but there is so much talent to go around that it is inevitable to get a large number of winners. Six former world champions sit on the grid at each race and there are ten former race winners as well (and five of those champions sit in the top seven of points). It would be very unsurprising in the least to see Hamilton, Schumacher, or Raikkonen (all former champions) to get their first wins of the season in the next couple of races. Should we really be surprised  that almost all the winners have been there before; that they are drivers who have reached the pinnacle of motorsport or have spent years winning races before now?

As a fan of Formula One and someone who is anxiously waiting for the return of the United States Grand Prix in November the "unpredictability" of this season has me just wanting more. I'm hoping for a season like 2010 that goes into the final races with six or seven drivers fighting to be champion. I'm hoping that maybe I'll show up at the USGP and get to see not only a great battle between champions on track, but to know that my race actually matters. It is seasons like this, with the field packed with talent and the cars ever closer in performance that draws me to the sport. 2011 may have been exciting for Red Bull fans, but 2012 will be exciting for all fans. I see the start to this season as less about it being unpredictable and more about it being exactly what I was hoping for. So why don't we make it seven for seven in Montreal, eh boys?

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