The most interesting detail at the second to last race was for sure the new track, called the Circuit of The Americas. Once again, the design came from German architect, Hermann Tilke, who was responsible for most of the modern Formula 1 tracks that have been added to the F1-schedule.
The track has a length of 5.516 kms and shows 20 corners. The difference in altitude is 31 m. The double bends are something like “the Best of the old World”, imitating Hockenheim, Silverstone, Suzuka and Istanbul. The maximum speed is around 350 km/h and the average speed is around 205 km/h for a Formula 1 car.
Coming into Austin had a further surprise for the teams on hand. Temperatures in the morning have been unexpected cold what did not make it easier to set up the cars given the fact that the track was “green” and there have been no support races to give some grip.
The race itself was not that fascinating. The result made it clear that the final race would be the one to crown the champion of the 2012 season. Alonso made the podium once again, coming in on p3. Hamilton and Vettel took the positions in front of him whilst Massa achieved a very good 4th position.
295 F2012
16. – 18.11.12 - XXXVII United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas, Austin F. Alonso #5, First session 3rd 1.40.337 +0:02.212 29 Laps Sunny 12/16 °C, track 16/24 °C. Second session 3rd 1.38.483 +0:00.765 35 Laps Sunny 19/20 °C, track 30/31 °C. Third session 4th 1:37.180 +0:00.690 20 Laps Sunny 13-17°C track 14-17°C.Q1 11th :37.968 +0:01.410 9 Laps Q2 9th 1:37.123 +0:01.327 8 Laps Q3 9th 1:37.300 +0:01.643 7 Laps Sunny 20-21°C track 32°C
18.11.12 - XXXVII United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas, Austin F. Alonso #5, 3rd 56 Laps +0:39.229 191,911 km/h. Sunny 23-24°C track 31-32°C.
294 F2012
16. – 18.11.12 - XXXVII United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas, Austin F. Massa #6 First session 6th 1.40.966 +0:02.841 26 Laps Sunny 12/16 °C, track 16/24 °C. Second session 6th 1.39.029 +0:01.311 33 Laps Sunny 19/20 °C, track 30/31 °C. Third session 6th 1:37.262 +0:00.772 26 Laps Sunny 13-17°C track 14-17°C.Q1 8th 1:37.667 +0:01.109 9 Laps Q2 3rd 1:36.549 +0:00.753 8 Laps Q3 7th 1:36.937 +0:01.280 7 Laps Sunny 20-21°C track 32°C
18.11.12 - XXXVII United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas, Austin F. Massa #6 4th 56 Laps +0:46.013 191,686 km/h. Sunny 23-24°C track 31-32°C.