For reference. It looks rather like every other Tilke track. I bet he just has this automated script now that kicks these out. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I do not like any of the Tilke designs. Having said that, this one has elevation changes (133 ft) which are nice, but it does not appear to have enough locations for serious passing. On the other hand, depending on those elevation changes, trees, etc, the fan in the stand may actually have more than just a corner to watch the parade. I would have preferred to see the true hairpin at the end of the straight for passing, then at the start of that back straight. An uphill first turn works at Spa, but this one appears very exaggerated. But then, what are the odds today this will come to fruition?
Agree, join 12 to 14 in a balls out WOT sweeper, and be done with it. Not many grandstands, looks like it's SOLD OUT!! LOL!!!!
Yeah but if it's shared with other (non-F1) cars it's ok. The front half looks good, especially 10-11.
Good thing LeMons is a rolling start, because most wouldn't have the grunt to get up the hill from a standstill when the flag drops.
Just initial impressions......I think is has potential and I will bet that the drivers will like it. I like the elevation changes. I see a number of other circuits mixed in here....Copse, Maggots, Becketts in 2 through 5, Turkeys four apex left, flipped to a four apex right in 16, 17, 18. The fiddely bit is designed to slow them into this section so that runoff is adequate. The downhill starting grid will cause all sorts of problems for standing starts and Start/Finish seems a bit too close to the last turn. I like the first turn, judging entry turn in will be difficult if it is at the brow. I recall another track with a saddle front straight with uphill corner entry from the 70's, but can't remember which one. Turn 10 apex is at the brow as well and cars will be wanting to fall off the outside right as the go over. The rollercoaster run from 11 to 12 will allow passing. Why it is in Texas, from a US standpoint is curious, but I suppose that Bernie is trying to reach Mexico and Central America without actually being there. Edit: Upon further review, front straight seems pretty level for the grid, so strike that.
There's a lot of Tech money in Austin....some of them current F1 sponsors...AMD for instance... They used to hold the Offshore Boat races in Corpus Christi Bay for the same reason, logistically it's the "center" of our country. Time will tell.......
Looks like crap to me. Typical Tilke style. They should have a tender for circuit designers, take a few, let the fans and drivers vote online for the best type they prefer. This circuit looks like the combo of Bahrain and Turkey to me...
Say what you want, I'll just be happy when/if the race returns. For all Indy's downfalls, I loved the year I went and would go again if it ever held a race. This looks like a far better circuit that Indy so I will not complain and be happy that its being built. Mark
Yeap, i fully understand and would agree with you if i was in your position. In a way, lucky i have Sepang here
Everybody COME TO MY HOUSE for beer!!!!! LOL! Or at least meet at the Broken Spoke, that'll be my base of operations..... TexasMike has found my 308GTB at the Green House....
I'm no more a Tilke fan that anyone else, however, I think this track has real potential. First off, agree that 13-15 are cheesy reminders of Indianapolis and should be removed (we can hope, this is only a draft). But the esses in the first section look great, will require a lot of downforce. But the long straight between 11 and 12 may require a compromise in the set up, but overall it looks like a pretty high downforce track. There will be passing opportunities into the hard braking zones at 1, 11, 12 and maybe even 20. It could make for an exciting drag race to the checkered flag coming out of 20, if the start/finish line is far enough up the track. The elevation changes look good. Not entirely sure I want to sit in the sun for a couple hours in an Austin summer though. They might want to consider put it later or earlier in the year and combining the trip with Brazil rather than Montreal.
In general, "+1" - I too am prepared to give it a chance (*if* it happens ) Another +1 He claims they're "reminiscient of the stadium section at Hockenheim" - BS IMO! Anyway, maybe "we" can do more than just hope - How about an email, "signed" by many people? - Send it to the FIA, FOTA, Tilke's office, Autosport, etc...... IIRC, there's site's out there that'll let you do something like that (?) "We, the true & loyal fans of F1 do hereby decree that turns xx thru yy will *suck*...." etc. Give reasons, examples of like suckiness (Indy et al!) and maybe even a rendition or two of the way "we'd" like it...... [Getting agreement on that should be fun ;-)] Cheers, Ian
Definately NOT the July/August part of the year.. It's only just now dropped below 100+ degree highs here.....
