Formula 1's proposed Miami street circuit looks set to change following a successful objection to the layout by Audrey Edmonson, commissioner for District 3 of the Miami-Dade county.
Whilst the race itself received approval following a vote earlier this year, the layout has yet to be finalised though a provisional version was released as part of the original plans seeking approval.
This ran around the American Airlines Arena which sits on the waterfront, however a small piece of land known as 'Parcel B' (highlighted in yellow) has been developed into a public park. Whilst the route itself doesn't run through the park, it would block the only two points of entry, therefore focing its closure for the duration of the race.
Edmonson successfully objected to the proposal and therefore a change of layout will be required to ensure the circuit meets the minimum length as mandated by the FIA whilst also avoiding this area, which cuts out a substantial part of the proposed track.
To do so, it's likely the route will simply bypass the arena by connecting Biscayne Boulevard directly with the Port Boulevard bridge. There are additional roads that can be used in the Miamarina Bayfront Park (see green route) which would provide the necessary extension required, whilst also including a run along the waterfront, which Liberty Media and the city are keen to include.
With Liberty keen to see the race on the calendar in 2019, firming up the layout will be necessary in the coming weeks, though the project could face more delays after a lawyer representing a group of residents issued a cease and desist against the race and other major events due to noise concerns.
