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Las Vegas different from all other Grands Prix: 'FOM wanted to do it themselves'

Las Vegas different from all other Grands Prix: 'FOM wanted to do it themselves'

10-04-2023 17:37

GPblog.com

For the first time since 1982, Las Vegas will be hosting a Grand Prix. Preparations are now in full swing. Last weekend, for instance, there is start made with repaving of the circuit.

The race should be a unique gem on the F1 calendar. Regardless, the race is unlike any other Grands Prix. "I've been told that every other F1 is actually a franchise where the local people actually run the race. This one, Formula One, didn't want to franchise it. They're in charge of the whole thing because they realized what a great boom this was going to be too", said Tick Segerblom, who is Clark County District E Commissioner, told 3News


'First year most difficult'

Formula One has a 10-year deal with the gambling city. "So and honestly, the first year is gonna be the toughest because we're learning how to do things, including paving the road," Tick Segerblom said. "And there's no place in the world like Las Vegas to have a Formula One."

The Grand Prix is supposed to be the biggest sporting event of the year. Not all drivers are impressed with the track. George Russell, for instance, has doubts whether the track layout is interesting enough to race on. During a lap, drivers will go full throttle for about 85 per cent of the track.