Formula One
Two-Time Defending Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel Makes History, Drives Preview Lap at Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial Course
WEEHAWKEN, NJ Formula One World Championship racer Sebastian Vettel drove a preview lap of the course at the Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial today. He also held a media conference with Race Promoter Leo Hindery, Infiniti representatives, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, and West New York Mayor Felix Roque.
Following his performance in the Canadian Grand Prix yesterday, Vettel drove the street circuit in an Infiniti IPL road car ahead of the highly anticipated Grand Prix of America, due to take place in 2013. Vettel was joined by former Grand Prix winner David Coulthard as the pair completed a number of passenger rides against the iconic Manhattan skyline, set to be a major feature of the race next year.
“Sebastian got a very small taste of what racing around the Port Imperial course will be like, but there’s no substitute for when he’ll be driving at just over 200 miles an hour,” said Race Promoter Leo Hindery. “We can’t wait to host him and the world’s other elite drivers with the world’s greatest city in the background. We’re one year out from 100,000 fans streaming to the race via NJ Transit, PATH and the combined New York Waterway Ferry and Bus Network.”
Commenting on the event, Sebastian Vettel said: “It’s been fantastic to be the first to drive the new circuit. I was able to get some good speed up in the Infiniti and it’s clear that it is going to be a big challenge in a Formula One car. With such a great setting too, I can’t wait to get back here and race in 2013.”
The races, planned to begin in June 2013, will receive no subsidies from either local or state government, and will bring millions of dollars to New Jersey and the surrounding region each year. Upwards of 100,000 people are expected to attend the 3-day races largely through the use of public transportation.
Construction of garages and other permanent facilities are well under way and track engineers are working hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The 3.2-mile course will be run on existing streets in Port Imperial, Weehawken and West New York, along the Hudson River and at the top of the Palisades, with the New York City skyline as the backdrop. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the race. The event will include practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and racing on Sunday.
Formula One Grand Prix of America headquarters are shared between Port Imperial and Manhattan.
More information at www.gpamerica.com