COTA smoothing out bumps furore with "ideal" F1 track

The Circuit of the Americas is currently undergoing a major resurfacing in a bid to prevent a repeat of the bumps furore that blighted the running of F1 and MotoGP last season.

The MotoGP riders were particularly aggrieved when they visited the Austin venue for the Grand Prix of the Americas last September, going so far as to threaten a boycott if changes were not undertaken ahead of this year's return in April.

Cosmetic alterations were then applied ahead of F1's arrival in October, with grinding taking place to even off two of the worst-affected areas, although criticisms were still made.

Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies remarked the bumps were worse compared to F1's previous visit in 2019.

The criticisms led to COTA undertaking a thorough analysis, resulting in not just the track being resurfaced but also a deeper dive to correct the ground beneath the asphalt.

A COTA statement confirmed: "The Circuit of the Americas has worked with consultants to review the asphalt designs and diagnose the parts of the track that needed resurfacing.

"Ground-penetrating radar, laser-mapping equipment and software were used to map the track and identify the different necessary repairs.

“From there the Circuit of the Americas worked to resurface from turns 2 to 10 and from 12 to 16 and to build a pad to reinforce the areas of turns 2 and 10.

"In addition, the Circuit of the Americas worked with external consultants to ensure that the new asphalt, and specifically the base, will be uniform and aligned, creating an ideal track for future races and events.”

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