During the last United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, a few bumps disrupted the drivers. The most obvious case was that of Marc Márquez, winner of all the US GPs in Austin in MotoGP since its creation in 2013 until 2018. He experienced his first retirement on this circuit last year in a fall.
Marc did not say that the poor condition of the track in places caused his downfall, but several drivers complained about the bumpy surface from motor racing. The director of the circuit, Bobby Epstein, had promised work this winter when the circuit closed.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) hosts several events during the year, MotoGP, WEC, F1, IndyCar Series, GT and endurance championships... The different weather conditions that the track faces (heat, winter cold , snow, etc.) contribute to its deterioration.
Bobby Epstein declared during the last Grand Prix that work was going to be carried out. “For most of December and half of January we are carrying out maintenance work to resolve the issues.
“We carried out some of the repairs last year before MotoGP, so there is less work than completely resurfacing the track.
“However, it involves the long straight, the pit exit and part of the first corner, there is a part with a bump before turn 9, 18 and 19, so there is some renovation to be done. »
In total, almost 40% of the track has been resurfaced. The main works contribute to improving the drainage of the track, which had partly accentuated the appearance of certain bumps. The work began on December 19 and should be completed by the end of January. Then, at the beginning of February the IndyCar Series will take place there for winter testing, the track will then have to be ready.
Photos © Circuit of the Americas
Please note: the photos above illustrating work on the Circuit of the Americas do not necessarily represent current modifications.
