F1 Austin, TX. U.S.A. **Spoilers**

[plastique999]

Lets go Kimi!
Can't believe they opened up Massa's gearbox to grid him back for Alonso.


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

[plastique999]

Ham is really putting pressure on Vettel


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

[plastique999]

And he passes Vettel!


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

[tommyc]

Cool race! Would love to drive that track! Albiet much slower!


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[plastique999]

That track looked super challenging. Ham ran a great race, and Ferrari's strategy worked.


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com Free App

[apk919]

So, opinions on whether Ferrari's "strategy" was poor sportsmanship?

i.e. "our 'best' driver could only manage 8th on the grid, so we decided to force our second driver to take a five grid spot penalty to give our 'best' driver a better chance of minimizing his increasing gap to the points leader"

Seriously, I would have been embarrassed if I was Alonso.

[Dennis]

Thank you COTA for a fantastic weekend. The race, facilities, and organization was excellent and should only be better next year since they have an entire year to adjust for any minor issues they had this year. The Fan Fest in downtown Austin was a blast as well, too bad I didnt book for any of the celebrations happening tonight. Going to make the trip every year. Only suggestions I would have for COTA is more food vendors in the bleacher and GA areas, and double or triple the capacity of the pedestrian bridges with a divider for direction. Other then that, the experience was above par. Even after the race, i couldn't believe how fast I was able to make it to the toll road.

[Lotus757]

The race was great. The track is excellent. Ferrari Challenge and Porsche GT3 Cup races as support. We need a Lotus Cup race here as well. High hopes after Abu Dhabi, but Kimi disappointing and Romain even more so.

The parking was the biggest headache, although I've seen worse. They need a shuttle for the furthest parking to the gates. There are not enough places to cross the road from parking to the track. I agree with the vendor comment. More needed up behind T1. Hopefully more paving, less dust and gravel next year. The venue is great though.

Apparently, he tram for the city to the track was a nightmare. Departure from the parking lots was a free for all and the Metro ran its last train at 6:30 pm from downtown on Sunday night. Not much chance there.

Fan Fest was great and Austin really embraced the race. It will be bigger and better next year. I'll be back.

[Batimovil]

Originally Posted by apk919

So, opinions on whether Ferrari's "strategy" was poor sportsmanship?

i.e. "our 'best' driver could only manage 8th on the grid, so we decided to force our second driver to take a five grid spot penalty to give our 'best' driver a better chance of minimizing his increasing gap to the points leader"

Seriously, I would have been embarrassed if I was Alonso.

I would say it is fair and smart, and like Domenicalli said afterwards "every team principal would have done the same thing". Even Horner said it made sense.

Only Massa should be embarrassed for signing a job contract as a No. 2 driver...

[Batimovil]

And yes, the venue was top notch. Food vendors scarce though and the walk from the shuttle drop off location to the track a little lengthy, but can be easily improved for next year.

Turn 11west was a good place with a few overtaking manouvers. Turn 12 is the real deal...next year hopefully!

Sent from my DROIDX using AutoGuide App

[apk919]

Originally Posted by Batimovil

I would say it is fair and smart, and like Domenicalli said afterwards "every team principal would have done the same thing". Even Horner said it made sense.

Only Massa should be embarrassed for signing a job contract as a No. 2 driver...

I guess there's no honor left in sports...

[shay2nak]

that was a great race and a greater track. awesome layout. I'm going to go next year.

[cashxdr]

I want to drive the Dragon on that course!!!!!

Dunno, many years ago Senna would win the championship if Prost finished poorly or not at all, so Senna took out Prost on the first corner (he didnt even try to turn, just bam into Prost) so interpitation of the rules is deffinately a grey area and there are countless, what? they really did that... moments.

Not saying its right, just quite the history of win no matter what mindset

Did I mention I want to drive on that course??? Hell's yah!

[Certified Lotus]

Your Circuit of The Americas Private Track Rental will include:

•Exclusive use of the Circuit of The Americas full Grand Prix road racing course.
•Pit access, designated paddock loft access, garage access and track access for an entire day.
•Bring your cars and your friends – your group can include up to 24 people.
•Fully staffed track, including track manager, driving instructor, timing system, corner workers and emergency workers.
•Create your own experience: structured race program with practice, qualifying and race session (timed or open racing) or create your own agenda.
•Catered lunch.
•Transportation to track from Austin area hotel.
•Concierge service for hotel, dinner reservations, spa and shopping.

The cost of private track rental is $50,000 for entire day.

[addertooth]

I guess my values are antiquated. Let the best man win.

[Uncle Sam]

Originally Posted by Certified Lotus

Your Circuit of The Americas Private Track Rental will include:

•Exclusive use of the Circuit of The Americas full Grand Prix road racing course.
•Pit access, designated paddock loft access, garage access and track access for an entire day.
•Bring your cars and your friends – your group can include up to 24 people.
•Fully staffed track, including track manager, driving instructor, timing system, corner workers and emergency workers.
•Create your own experience: structured race program with practice, qualifying and race session (timed or open racing) or create your own agenda.
•Catered lunch.
•Transportation to track from Austin area hotel.
•Concierge service for hotel, dinner reservations, spa and shopping.

The cost of private track rental is $50,000 for entire day.

Why only 24? To keep poor people like me out? How about 100 participants and no driving instructor, transportation and timing system for $500 each? Just b*****n, I want to drive this track. How about a LOG in Austin?

[Lotus757]

From RACER Magazine: Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says the United States Grand Prix at Austin proved to be a bigger success than even he anticipated.

The event attracted more than 250,000 spectators over the three days, and drew rave reviews from drivers, team bosses and the media about the possibilities it has opened up in America.

Ecclestone, who exactly one year ago feared that the race would not take place amid concerns about finances and building progress, was overjoyed with what he had seen.

When asked by AUTOSPORT how the event had matched his expectations, Ecclestone said: "Much better... 12 months ago there wasn't even [going to be] a race.

"Everything is good. Everyone is happy. Everyone in Austin seems happy. It is good when you do something and it works."

Ecclestone believes that the fact Austin has shown such enthusiasm for F1 is a good sign for the future.

"It is difficult the second year, to get a big crowd for a new event," he said.

"But here you can see that they are behind this, which is good. The governor said we would get a bigger crowd next year than this year."

Red Bull boss Christian Horner had no doubts that the Austin race had gone down well.

"I think they have done a great job here," he said. "The track is fantastic, the drivers enjoy it.

"We have seen a good race and the enthusiasm from the fans, the public and the town has been tremendous. It looks like F1 has been a big hit in Texas."

When asked how much work the sport needed to do for the future to ensure it gained a foothold in the United States, he said: "We have to make sure that we continue to put on a good show, and you can see the enthusiasm there is for F1.

"It would be great to have another race in the States which is obviously under discussion, but F1 has made itself proud.

"It has put on a great show this weekend and I am sure it will be remembered."


This article originally appeared in Autosport.com

[Uncle Sam]

Here's how Austin can get more "'merkins" (Texas accent, a la LBJ) to come: cross promote with NASCAR and have a Nationwide Truck race with F1 guys! Hell, Kimi can teach them how to drive them thar trucks. Sort of like the old BMW Procar, but with ... uhh, trucks.

[Illumiloti]

The line for the shuttle to Austin and the cab line after the race were horrible. Tens of thousands of people in line for one to two hours just to get off the property. Lots of a******s trying to cut the line. Need a better system.

[GuppyCaptain]

Originally Posted by Uncle Sam

Here's how Austin can get more "'merkins" (Texas accent, a la LBJ) to come: cross promote with NASCAR and have a Nationwide Truck race with F1 guys! Hell, Kimi can teach them how to drive them thar trucks. Sort of like the old BMW Procar, but with ... uhh, trucks.

Let's keep NASCAR out of this can we please?