By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Kimi Raikkonen discussed the layout of the Circuit of the Americas, home of the United States Grand Prix, and admitted the design allows for great racing.
The 3.427-mile, 20-turn permanent road course has been hosting Formula 1 since 2012 and has become a favorite among teams and drivers with its steep uphill opening corner, a mix of fast-flowing corners, continuous elevation changes, long straightaways and a triple-apex right hander to go along with a few heavy braking zones.
In four attempts at the Austin-based track, the 37-year-old Finn and Ferrari driver has never finished better than sixth, but that hasn’t discouraged his opinion of complementing it.
“It’s a nice circuit,” said Raikkonen. “They put a good design in it, plus it has uphill sections and it’s not just flat. I think it makes it more interesting.
“Obviously it’s possible to overtake during the race but it’s quite a short uphill for this. It helps to slow down the car and with the braking, but the corner is not the easiest one. However, it’s a good circuit for making an exciting race.”
The 2007 F1 World Champion added that the location of F1’s only trip to the United States is in a prime location and that last year’s rain-tortured event was unfortunate, but that is how it goes sometimes.
“Austin is a nice city, a nice place for the US Grand Prix with a lot of people.
“Last year we had a very bad weather during most of the weekend. It was not very nice for any of us, drivers and spectators, but it’s part of the game.”
