Decided upon in 2010, construction of the Circuit of the Americas (CotA) experienced some ups and downs particularly as the track is situated in a flood zone. Though delays accumulated, F1 did hold a race there in November of 2012 as scheduled. Like most of the new circuits on the F1 program, the CotA was designed by Hermann Tilke, though Kevin Schwantz, World Moto Champion in 1993, and promoter Tavo Hellmund did add their two cents.

For only one time a year, drivers will race counterclockwise - which impacts their physical preparation especially since it's a very hilly circuit with no less than 20 turns. Some parts were inspired by existing circuits such as the portion located between turns 3 and 6 resembling almost exactly Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel at Silverstone,the scene of the first round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) this year.

On the other hand, unlike the birthplace of British motorsports, level changes are an important factor as early as the very first turn, a significant climb that Mario Andretti, who participated eight times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, had the honour of taking first with the Lotus in which he won the Formula 1 World Champion title in 1978.

Those not fortunate enough to race on the 5.513 km (3.427 miles) track can observe from the 70-meter observation tower whose glass floor affords a breathtaking view of Austin and surrounding areas. A very cool way to watch the two races taking place Saturday at 11:35 a.m. (5:35 p.m. in the U.K.) for the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and at 5:00 p.m. (11:00 p.m. in the U.K.) for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) - local times.

Cécile Bonardel / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO