Formula One Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial, that will be the official name of the 2013 race in New Jersey confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday.
New Jersey mayor Chris Christie made the announcement, calling it the ‘wisest decision’ that Formula 1 has made.
“I’m pleased that New Jersey will play host to Formula 1 beginning 2013, bringing one of the world’s most popular and exciting sports right to our backyard,” Christie said.
“I can assure Formula 1 that this is one of the wisest decisions you have ever made, to come and hold this event in New Jersey.
“People from the whole world will come to New Jersey to see this unique and exciting course,” he added.
The race will take place around existing streets in Weehawken and West New York and will total 3.2 miles (5.14km). It will be a clockwise circuit with the main start/finish straight opposite the Port Imperial Waterway terminal.
– The circuit (a rough sketch can be seen below) has been designed by F1 regular, Hermann Tilke.
– A 10-year-deal has been agreed and signed with Bernie Ecclestone and FOM.
– No taxpayer dollars will be spent on the circuit, either in its construction of the race hosting fees.
– NASCAR race promoter, Howard Augustine Wheeler will be the promoter for the event. “The best thought out project I have seen since I’ve been involved in the racing business,” is what he said during the press conference.
This will mark the second race in America, with the inaugural Texas GP set to take place next season at a purpose-built facility.
Tavo Hellmund, the promoter behind the Texas race in Austin, said he was excited by the second race which would boost the sports popularity and image in the US, where it has struggled to gain a following on par with Europe and Asia.
“When I walked the site a few years ago, the site’s potential was obvious,” said Hellmund. “I am excited for the East Coast and feel Tuesday’s announcement is yet another acknowledgement of the viability, fan interest, economic benefits and prestige an F1 Grand Prix event brings to a region.
“New Jersey and Texas, nearly 2,000 miles apart, offer unique and very different fan experiences destined to not only raise the visibility of the sport in this country, but also increase the global attraction and US support of these world-class events. These two regions are going to be terrific backdrops for the world’s most advanced form of racing.”
Artists rendering of the start/finish line and turn one:
Outline of the 3.2 mile circuit:
Elevation changes:
