The Miami International Autodrome is already a hit amongst F1 drivers, despite their first laps of the new still venue still being days away. The car park of the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium will play host to the fourth round of the 2022 F1 season, with finishing touches still being applied to the circuit. It is not the first time a US race has been held in a car park, with the unpopular Caesars Palace Grand Prix having been staged just behind the famous Las Vegas casino. But Miami's new venue has already been tipped by drivers to offer a dramatic Grand Prix packed with overtaking.
Why Miami is already proving a hit
It remains to be seen whether F1's newest circuit will prove to be a great racing venue, but that has not stopped drivers from praising the track. Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas have all complimented the layout, with former Mercedes driver Bottas forecasting an overtake frenzy on Sunday. The track was designed by British-based Apex Circuit Design, with support from Formula 1. It is a fast, flowing temporary venue with a number of high-speed sections that lead to sudden, long braking zones, offering plenty of overtaking options. The final sector of the circuit also includes a tight, narrow section that looks set to be a challenge as drivers push for the perfect qualifying lap.
Gasly "really, really" likes Miami GP layout
Pierre Gasly is the latest driver to offer his high praise for the circuit's layout, describing some sections of the track as "quite challenging". The AlphaTauri driver has been learning the track on Red Bull's simulator, to build his knowledge of the venue long before his arrival in Miami. "I've tried it and I must say it looks pretty awesome. I really, really liked the layout," said the AlphaTauri driver, speaking to select members of the media, including RacingNews365.com . "There's quite a lot of high-speed contents, it's quite challenging with an unusual type of corners, like extremely long corners, and very long straights."
Miami not without concern for teams and drivers
While the layout of the new Miami International Autodrome has sparked excitement, the simulation models currently being trialled by drivers feature little real-world data on the nature of the track's newly-laid asphalt. Tyre performance has already played a vital role in this season's championship battle, with Red Bull having fought graining in Australia before Ferrari were held back by a similar issue at Imola. Unsure of the asphalt's characteristics, Pirelli have opted for a "conservative" choice of tyre compounds for the Miami GP weekend, with Friday's practice sessions expected to be key for teams to build an understanding of the new track.
Miami weekend offering far more than just motor racing
But a weekend in Miami will offer fans and drivers more than just three days of motor racing, with Gasly "hyped" for the entertainment on offer. The track features an elaborate podium, as well as a marina of yachts, built especially for the Grand Prix. Over the course of the weekend, there will be musical performances from Post Malone, Zedd, Tiesto and Chainsmokers. "I think we should have some pretty good American entertainment, good entertainment, the whole weekend," added Gasly. "I'm very excited about it and the location is very unique, so I'm very hyped about the whole weekend."
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