The new home of Formula 1 in the United States is an undulating and spectacular venue outside Austin, Texas. The brainchild of promoter Tavo Hellmund and supported by former motorcycle World Champion Kevin Schwantz, the Circuit Of The Americas won a contract to return Grand Prix racing to the country from 2012. Earlier designs from architect Hermann Tilke may have met with a lukewarm reception but COTA has proved a popular addition to the calendar. It features an uphill, wide first corner, sweeping subsequent section and long backstretch, all of which is dominated by a 77 metre observation tower.
