UNITED STATES GP

1-3 November 2019 Austin, Texas

THE MAIN EVENT

After several years running ahead of the Mexican race on the calendar, this season Austin’s round falls a week later. Since both venues are in the same time zone, and just a two-hour flight apart, this is logistically one of the easiest double-headers on the calendar – and the decent crowds at both venues suggest they aren’t neccessarily poaching tickets sales from one another.

The impressive Circuit of The Americas facility has only hosted seven grands prix, but has already established itself as a highlight. The first sector is incredibly quick, with a Silverstone and Suzuka style Esses section featuring high-speed direction changes the drivers love. After the long back straight, the final sector is characterised by lowand medium-speed corners that demand good mechanical grip and traction. The track has developed a few bumps over the years, so engineers can opt for a softer set-up, to make the cars more pliable in the corners.

2018 RACE RECAP

Kimi Räikkönen celebrated his 39th birthday on 17 October 2018 and four days later won the United States Grand Prix at Austin. He beat polesitter Lewis Hamilton away from the grid and had the pace all afternoon to fully deserve his win. It had been five years and 113 races since his previous victory. In the other Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel made a mistake on the opening lap and spun after the slightest of contact with Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull.

KEY CORNER: TURN 1 The apex of this left-hander is the highest point on the lap. The corner is blind, requiring precision and commitment, and a good exit is vital

RACE DATA

Venue Circuit of The Americas First GP 2012 Number of laps 56 Circuit length 3.425 miles Longest straight 0.677 miles Elevation change 101.378 feet Race distance 191.633 miles Lap record 1m 37.392s Lewis Hamilton (2018) F1 races held 7 Winners from pole 3 Pirelli compounds C2, C3, C4

CAR PERFORMANCE

Downforce level Medium Cooling requirement Medium Fuel consumption 1.89kg/lap Full throttle 63% Top speed 205mph Average speed 121mph

TIMETABLE (UK TIME)

Friday 1 November Practice 1 17:00-18:30 Practice 2 21:00-22:30 Saturday 2 November Practice 3 19:00-20:00 Qualifying 22:00-23:00 Sunday 3 November Race 19:10 Live coverage Sky Sports F1 Highlights Channel 4