Formula 1 Austin track opens as Andretti drives Lotus 79 on the Texas circuit

Formula 1 Austin track, the venue for the penultimate race of this season was inaugurated by former World Champion, Mario Andretti as he took the first full lap around the new Circuit of the Americas on Sunday. The Formula 1 Austin race is scheduled in November before the finale of this season in Sau Paulo, Brazil.

The F1 Austin track inauguration was also attended by ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star, Patrick Dempsey, who also drove on the track in a Lotus. Andretti cut the ribbon for the track from a Lotus 79 Cosworth racing car as he drove to finish the first lap on the 3.4 mile track, which is touted as the first modern purpose-built F1 track in the U.S.

Commenting about the track, Andretti told to Reuters, “It’s very green, as you could expect. You get offline a bit – it’s a bit slippery. But that’s normal for a new circuit. Overall, my impression is absolutely fantastic.” The track is not yet completely built as the landscaping and interiors still need some work.

Expressing his thoughts about the track in Texas, Dempsey said, “It’s a really good opportunity for F1 to come back into this country and start a new tradition. This is a market that they need.” It was also reported that Hollywood actor, Ryan Gosling was present at the track.

The F1 Austin track inauguration also saw a bevy of sports car lining up to test the track, which is speculated to build revenue for the city of Austin. The next Formula 1 race moves to India, the sub-continent will be hosting its first Formula 1 race.

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