Austin reveals proposal for US track layout

The track layout of the proposed United States GP at Austin has finally emerged. Local newspaper American Statesman have revealed the track, to be designed by Herman Tilke, will feature 40m of elevation changes and 4 real overtaking possibilities.

The 5.4km track will reportedly have a 320km/h maximum speed, a long back straight, and some corners that resemble famous F1 tracks.

"It should be nice," race promotor Tavo Hellmund said as he looked over the plans. "I think drivers and fans should really like it."

According to the Associated Press, Hellmund said F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone also "likes it".

He added the layout includes three to four ideal overtaking places, and sections that resemble Silverstone's Backetts, the Stadium section at Hockenheim, and Turn 8 in Turkey.

"It will be similar to one gigantic turn," Hellmund said of the Istanbul-esque section.

Peter Wahl, a managing partner of Tilke GmbH, the German firm that is overseeing the design and construction of the track was at the presentation of the new layout, and said the close time schedule to get it finished by 2012 did not freighten him.

Apart from the track layout now being 95% certain, there are still things to sort out before starting its construction. Christian Epp, another Tilke GmbH executive, said "We have to figure how many buildings and access roads are needed, how in detail to manage the water supply, drainage and power," Epp said. "It's like planning and building a complete new city."

The eventual race date however is not expected to be set until late 2011.