The uniqueness of the Miami Grand Prix venue will be expanded in 2023, with the event featuring some head-turning upgrades, such as the Formula 1 paddock being situated in the Hard Rock Stadium. The first edition of the 2022 race was a success, although some drivers - including Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez - did request some minor track surface changes to the circuit. Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP, reveals in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365 that they have listened to the drivers' council and detailed the changes being made to the circuit. "We decided that we were going to take the top layer [of tarmac] off the track," commented Epp. "We worked with [track designers] Tilke and developed an aggregate that we thought would work very well, and the last section was laid yesterday. "So we have a complete race track. We still have to go through the final finishing processes, which we'll work through in the next six weeks, but it'll be ready to go come early May." Epp continued to discuss the changes being made with the aim of improving the overtaking prospects for the 2023 race: "There are no significant changes to the overall layout, but we did listen to the drivers' council, the FIA and Formula 1 regarding the chicane at Turns 13, 14 and 15. We've changed some rumble strips, along with Tecpro [barrier] positioning, but positioning is dictated by the FIA. "I believe they're also working on the apex of Turn 15. This won't be noticeable to the viewer, but it will have a slight impact to try to improve the racing through that section. "We went back and talked to our partners at the FIA and Formula One, and they were fantastic about providing us very fair feedback on last year. Largely, we were really happy with what happened."
Epp rules out adding night race element to the 'big' Miami event
With the Miami race proving to be a popular spectacle, Epp reiterated the venue's desire to be part of the 'event culture' in Miami and within the motorsport community. "I do think that Miami is an 'event' city. People like to go to big events, and there are great events in our community, and I think we were one last year," added Epp. "We believe that there's a fantastic car culture in South Florida, we believe that there is a motorsport and a racing fanbase there that is as good as any in the United States. "Our job is to reach out to those communities, build those relationships, and bring them to the Miami International Autodrome and show them what Formula One can be in many of their home cities." With the continued investment into evolving the event for 2023, the Miami GP is looking to become one of the cornerstone races on the calendar. However, with the trend for new venues becoming night races, the Miami GP President ruled out the possibility of the event following suit: "I'm partial to night races because I think they're beautiful environments. I really enjoyed Singapore. We would never say never, but there are no immediate plans in this case."
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