Video: Kimi Raikkonen previews the USGP
After a trio of races all in Asia, Formula 1 switches to the American continent for the fourth-from-last race of the championship. Prior to its absence from the calendar from 2007, there had been no less than 33 United States Grands Prix held at Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Detroit, Phoenix and Indianapolis. Then, in 2012, the USA once again welcomed Formula 1 at the Circuit Of The Americas, in Austin, the capital of the state of Texas. The facility was purpose built to host the ultimate form of motor sport and features 20 corners, some of which are reminiscent of other famous corners on the world championship trail. On top of that, there's the spectacular climb leading to the blind first corner. The start can be interesting because cars lining up on the dirty side of the grid struggle more than at any other circuit to find grip.
"It's a nice circuit" says Kimi of the American track. "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. 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. It's a nice city, a nice place for the US Grand Prix with a lot of people. 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."