COTA opens as Covid vaccine drive-through centre

United States Grand Prix venue the Circuit of the Americas has been repurposed as a drive-through Covid-19 vaccination centre.

COTA has become the lastest Formula 1 circuit to be utilised to assist in the fight against coronavirus with the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the site of the Mexico City Grand Prix, continuing to function as a temporary coronavirus hospital.

The Texas site vaccinated 3,000 patients in its first day and, via Twitter, circuit officials said: "Thank you to our community partners for making it possible! Circuit of The Americas is thrilled to take part in such a massive, worthy undertaking."

Today’s vaccine drive is one giant step towards defeating COVID-19. Thank you to our community partners for making it possible! Circuit of The Americas is thrilled to take part in such a massive, worthy undertaking. pic.twitter.com/tuCYr9PFQN

— Circuit of The Americas (@COTA) February 27, 2021

It is hoped the site will soon be able to offer up to 10,000 vaccinations per day.

Last year, Formula 1 cancelled the American leg of the championship and focused on racing in Europe with a trio of races in the Middle East closing out the year.

The 2021 calendar has a more 'normal' look to it, but the Australian Grand Prix has already been postponed from its March date to November due to strict quarantine laws in the country.

The Chinese Grand Prix has also been postponed and it is unclear if a position will become available for a rescheduled race. The calendar already features a record 23-races, and an event in China would expand this further.

The United States Grand Prix is currently scheduled to take place on October 24.

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