More work on US GP bumps
United States Grand Prix host the
Circuit of The Americas is undergoing further resurfacing work in an attempt to finally get rid of its bumps.
Bumps have been an ongoing issue at the Austin venue, leading to complaints from Formula 1 drivers and Motogp riders. After problems at the 2019 US GP, circuit boss Bobby Epstein told Autosport that heavy rains in 2015 had contributed to the issues. “We excavated nine feet deep to put the track here, and brought in special soils,” he said. “However, clearly the flood of 2015 caused some very serious heaving, and we haven’t fixed those areas since then, and it’s just gotten worse.
“There’s been some washout around pipes. There are pipes under the track, and in 2015 the water followed those pipes, not just inside but around them. It caused erosion that left this void, and then you get some heaving and shrinking.”
Some have questioned the quality of the original construction and the repairs.
There have been several attempts at removing the bumps. Resurfacing was undertaken at Turn 1, Turn 9 and along the back straight ahead of the 2020 season, while the latest work has focused on Turn 2, Turn 10, and Turns 12-16.
“COTA hired consultants to review asphalt designs and diagnose the parts of the track in need of resurfacing,” said a statement. “Ground penetration radar and laser mapping equipment and software was used to map the track and identify the different repairs needed. From there, COTA worked to repave Turns 12 through 16 and build a concrete pad to reinforce the areas at Turn 2 and 10. Additionally, COTA worked with contractors to ensure the new asphalt and concrete foundations were even and flush, creating an ideal track for upcoming races and events.”