New US track is looking just grand as FIA director Whiting gives thumbs-up to race

The Circuit of the Americas has been given the green light to stage this year’s US Grand Prix.

FIA technical delegate and race director Charlie Whiting conducted a 60-day inspection of the new venue that is due to host the race in Austin, Texas in November.

Whiting has declared the 3.4-mile track — which is the first in the US built specifically for F1 — and the pit and paddock buildings as “fantastic” and had no hesitation in awarding ‘Grade One’ status that allows it to stage a grand prix.

“Everything I’ve seen so far has been absolutely first class and the progress that’s been made since the last time I was here is amazing,” said Whiting in a statement.

“The guys have done an awesome job. It’s built to the highest quality, exactly as we expected, and I’ve absolutely no complaints.”