2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

[E90SLAM]

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[biglare]

Just a couple more days and I can't wait!

I love the pics coming in for the track and setup.

For those that asked what to do in Austin.... they will be blocking off several blocks for the Austin Fan Fest. See the link here -->http://austinfanfest.com/map

[Huicho]

Originally Posted by AZ135

I can't wait for this weekend! I've never been to an F1 event (or any race for that matter) or to Austin, so any additional insight is greatly appreciated. Someone mentioned bussing to the downtown shuttle to avoid the downtown parking situation. Any other advice like that or things to after the race? I'm guessing the fan fest will be crazy busy. Have fun everyone! Go Vettel, Perez and Lotus!

There is a lot of things to do in Austin, 6th street is lined with bars, usually filled with young drunk college students. I like east 6th, it's an older crowd and more relaxed even though i doubt it will be very relaxed. my best friend has a radio show in Austin and said they are expecting 250,000 people this weekend. I'll be at Fado Irish Pub for Will Buxton's Big Bash and who knows where we'll end up Saturday, i might go to some of the concerts. Check out the local restaurants and food trucks.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by evbecks

Can't wait!!!

Im also staying in Austin until next Friday as well. Anyone have any ideas for things to do in Austin?


Evan

You can try this during the day, it's pretty fun:

http://www.k1speed.com/austin-location.html

[Nang Vann]

Exciting pics! Can't wait can't wait!

[AZ135]

Check out the local restaurants and food trucks.

With how busy it's going to be down town, I'm thinking food trucks may be the way to go. I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight (I leave in the morning).

[Huicho]

I'll be driving up to my house in San Antonio tomorrow, then Austin Friday morning, anyone going to Will Buxton's Big Bash Friday night?

[MrClean335i]

[007MCoupe]

damn, that's a good shot. I didn't realize it was *that* steep! Hopefully it's a great track and stays around!

[jonasaurus]

Looks to be a very interesting track, looking forward to quali and the race. Also good to see a US race back on the calendar!

[gary88]

I think a turn one incident at the start is almost guaranteed.

[escobar929]

wow, thats a hell of an elevation changes, cant wait!!!!!!!!

[007MCoupe]

Originally Posted by gary88

I think a turn one incident at the start is almost guaranteed.

I put money on Grosjean? Any takers?

[007MCoupe]

I'd be ok with this!

http://www.inautonews.com/ecclestone...e#.UKPSl4Ypba0

Nov.14 (GMM/Inautonews.com) Bernie Ecclestone has hinted he wants many more American races on his F1 calendar.

After a five-year absence from the country, F1 has returned to the US in 2012, this weekend christening the brand-new and bespoke Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

And Ecclestone wanted two American stops on next year’s schedule, until plans for a street race amid the Manhattan skyline were put on hold for financial reasons until at least 2014.

“It’s a world championship, so you need the US,” the F1 chief executive is quoted by German news agency DPA.

“America is about as big as Europe. So we should have the same number of races (in each),” said Ecclestone.

In 2013, seven of the 19 grands prix – Spain, Monaco, the UK, Germany, Hungary, Belgium and Italy – will be in Europe, the sport’s traditional homeland.

For now, many in the F1 paddock are simply relieved that the US is back on the calendar at least with one race — Norbert Haug pointed out this week that it is Mercedes-Benz’s single biggest road car sales market.

But F1 chief executive Ecclestone acknowledged that his sport is “not very big” in America, causing the US-naturalised Mario Andretti to proclaim: “I can only say thank god for the Texans!”

“This,” agreed McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh, “is a golden opportunity for the sport to finally put down roots and find a long-term home (in the US).”

After contractual and construction delays, the Circuit of the Americas is a hive of activity in the hours before the F1 paddock comes alive on Thursday.

Signs, seats and landscaping are still being finished off, circuit spokeswoman Julie Loignon admitting: “Things are very hectic, but everyone is making steady progress.”

Michael Schumacher, a regular visitor to the US, is already in town, kicking off his stay by watching the NBA basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Bild newspaper.

[txz4]

Anyone know where you can watch the practice? Cant wait to see this, in hindsight i should have gone to watch live, but i guess theirs always next year!

[Huicho]

Originally Posted by txz4

Anyone know where you can watch the practice? Cant wait to see this, in hindsight i should have gone to watch live, but i guess theirs always next year!

Speed channel will be broadcasting all 3 practice sessions along with qualifying and the race.

[E90SLAM]

.

[007MCoupe]

some rolling hills in sector 2! Man i wish I could be there!

[Huicho]

anyone notice the McLaren says Verizon?

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by Huicho

anyone notice the McLaren says Verizon?

Yes, that happened on 2011 Canadian GP too. Since Vodafone owns 45% of Verizon Wireless.

[VIPLINE]

Awesome photos! Can't wait till the cars are in action on the circuit!!!

[Huicho]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

Yes, that happened on 2011 Canadian GP too. Since Vodafone owns 45% of Verizon Wireless.

a-ha, makes sense now.