Gasly takes in US F1 "evolution" with Miami GP tour

Pierre Gasly has become the second F1 driver to take a tour of the new Miami Grand Prix venue ahead of the race's debut later this year.

Mercedes driver George Russell paid a visit at the end of October last year while he was then with Williams, although at that stage construction work on the site had only just commenced.

Further progress has been made ahead of the race that is staged on May 6-8 around the Hard Rock Stadium that is home to American football team Miami Dolphins.

F1 is capitalising on its increased exposure in the US in the wake of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' docu-series, with the Miami GP already an 80,000 sell-out on each of the three days, with the demand for tickets far exceeding capacity.

Taking in the venue, Gasly said: “I was really impressed. The track looks really cool, especially with the two very long straights.

"In terms of racing and overtaking possibilities, it's going to be pretty amazing. It should be a great show for all the fans.”

Recognising the impact F1 is now having on the US, Gasly added: “Coming here a couple of years ago, people didn't really have much of an idea about Formula 1.

"They knew about NASCAR and IndyCar, but F1 wasn't that popular.

"Netflix has really opened us up to a new audience and it's been incredible to see the evolution over the past two or three years in America.”

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