Austin track meant to mirror classics

The design for the Austin circuit, scheduled to host the United States GP in 2012, borrows its inspiration from some of the most exciting F1 venues – including Silverstone.

Promoter Tavo Hellmund wants to create a circuit that is regarded as an instant classic, and has asked architect Hermann Tilke to pay homage to popular corners from other venues.

The availability of hilly land rather than the sort of swamp or desert site Tilke often has to start with has allowed the German to fulfil the brief, and the 3.4-mile track (above) includes a 133ft elevation change.

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Tilke has drawn on two of the most popular fast corners on the F1 calendar, with Turns 3-6 based on Silverstone’s Maggotts/Becketts sequence and Turns 16-18 paying homage to Istanbul’s multi-apex Turn 8. In addition, Turns 12-15 are meant to represent the stadium section at Hockenheim, providing interesting viewing for fans.

The concept of borrowing inspiration from elsewhere has drawn a mixed reaction, with some US fans suggesting that Tilke should have come up with something more original. Hellmund argues that the uphill hairpin at Turn 1 is the track’s own ‘signature’ corner.

Hellmund is still battling through red tape prior to the planned start of construction in December.