'Key corner section on Miami circuit is on edge of design'

Next weekend, the all-new Miami Grand Prix is on the calendar. Much is expected from the event besides the track. The designers of the track say we can expect some things on the track as well.

British designers Apex Circuit Design discussed the 5.41-kilometre circuit. Up until now, reports on the latest addition to the F1 calendar have mostly been about the fan experience and festivities along the track, with Andrew Wallis' explanation opposite Autosport.com we now know what to look out for while racing.

Turn section at Miami particularly intense

The corner section consisting of Turns 13 through 16 will be a challenging section on the track and is "on the edge of design" according to the designers. This is because the curve section is very tight and very intense. It includes a sharp chicane through which the drivers must pass at a speed of only eighty kilometres per hour. After the corner section there is a long straight of 1.28 km where it is expected that the drivers will easily reach 320 km per hour. The braking point for Turn 17 is considered the best overtaking opportunity.

Apart from the fact that the corner section is challenging and crucial to have a fast run on the long straight, the design on this part of the track was also a challenge. The designers did not have much room to work with, as the highway runs close to the track at this point. The FIA demands a minimum width of the track and of course requires run-off lanes, 'safe zones', enough space for stewards and also places for cameras, as there will be no room for grandstands in this sector.