Formula 1 on right track at Circuit of The Americas in Texas

About 13 months before Formula 1 racing returns to the United States for the first time since 2007, construction of the Circuit of The Americas is steadily progressing toward the Nov. 18, 2012 debut in Austin, Texas, of a 10-year contract for the world's most viewed sport.

According to literature distributed during a media tour held as a preamble to the national unveiling of the 2012 Kia Rio and Kia Soul, the Circuit of The Americas is the "first purpose racetrack and F1 Grand Prix facility."

The 3.4-mile circuit is located on an approximately 970-acre site in southeast Austin along the SH 130 corridor near FM 812, two miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

In addition to F1 racing, Circuit of The Americas will also host MotoGP, the motorcycle Grand Prix World Championships, and the V8 Supercars Championship.

The signature feature of the facility is 3.4-mile circuit track with a seating capacity for 120,000. The surrounding landscape will allow for a maximum elevation change of 133 feet. The circuit will include 20 turns and highlight a "variation of classic turns from around the world."

A media spokeswoman said corporate suite interest and public inquiries for tickets for the debut event has been impressive, with the anticipated availability of tickets by the end of 2011 or about one year after construction the facility began. Tickets pricing has not been announced.

For more information about Circuit of The Americas, the debut of Formula 1 at the facility and the free corresponding electronic newsletter, visit: www.circuitoftheamericas.com.

Images © James Raia, 10/10/2011.