Las Vegas joins F1's US bandwagon with unique Saturday night race

Las Vegas Grand Prix

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Las Vegas joins F1's US bandwagon with unique Saturday night race

6.12km circuit will take in the famous Strip

Ian Parkes

Thursday 31 March 2022 04:30 Updated: 14:28

F1 has pulled off a major coup by adding Las Vegas to its burgeoning calendar as the sport continues its rapid growth in the United States.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be unique in that it will run on Saturday night, taking in the famous Strip that includes legendary landmarks such as the Bellagio fountains as well its colourful array of neon-lit casinos.

The 3.8-mile [6.12-kilometre] track includes three main straights and 14 corners, with top speeds estimated to be over 212mph [342kph], taking in a high-speed cornering sequence and a single-chicane section.

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The race will be run over 50 laps, with F1's return set for November next year. It is understood the debut date will be the Thanksgiving weekend of 23-25, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.

The decision to add a third US race to the calendar comes following talks that have lasted for over a year between F1, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority [LVCVA] and Nevada state governor Steve Sisolak.

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Domenicali - "no better place for F1"

With Las Vegas joining Austin and Miami, the latter making its debut in May, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “This is an incredible moment for Formula 1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US.

"Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip.

"There is no better place for Formula 1 to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year."

Greg Maffei, president and CEO of F1 owners Liberty Media, added: “Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour.

"Our confidence in this unique opportunity is evident in our decision to assume the promoter role for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in partnership with Live Nation.

"We could not be more excited to work with our local partners to create a marquee event.

"The potential of Formula 1 has been well demonstrated over the last several seasons and the Las Vegas GP will only take it to the next level.”

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Las Vegas - 'the greatest arena on earth'

The nature of the track is seen as crucial to the hoped-for success of an event that was derided when F1 last visited the city for two races in 1981 and 1982.

Run under the banner of the 'Caesars Palace Grand Prix', a temporary circuit was set up in the parking lot of the renowned hotel.

The race, however, lacked spectacle and due to small crowds ran at a significant loss over the two years, leading to its swift withdrawal.

Forty years on, F1 will now be racing along one of the most famous streets in the world in 'The Strip'.

The event has the added element of incorporating founding and presenting partners in some of the most famous names in Las Vegas in Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Las Vegas, MSG Sphere, Resorts World Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort.

Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, said: “We eagerly anticipate the moment when the history, energy and momentum of Formula 1 will culminate in an unforgettable Saturday night on the Las Vegas Strip.

"Spectators will experience the unrivalled thrill of watching these world-class drivers race through what is sure to become one of the most iconic racetracks in the world.

"Formula 1 and Liberty Media have been incredible partners, and we look forward to November 2023 when we again showcase that Las Vegas is ‘The Greatest Arena on Earth.’”