Formula One is coming back to the United States, and coming back in a big way. Not only is the circus rolling in to Austin, Texas, this year for the re-inauguration of the United States Grand Prix, but next year, the championship calendar is slated to include a second race – dubbed the Grand Prix of America – at a new track being carved out of city streets at Port Imperial, New Jersey, just across the river from Manhattan.
It will be a while before the track is completed, but that type of minor detail isn't enough to stop a driver like Sebastian Vettel. The defending two-time World Champion headed down to Jersey after the Canadian Grand Prix to drive the proposed layout of the track, which local police were kind enough to close down for the day. Both Vettel and team ambassador David Coulthard pulled some donuts and drove some dignitaries around the circuit-to-be in a pair of Infiniti G37 IPL Coupe models against the New York City backdrop, as you can see for yourself in the high-res image gallery above and the four-and-a-half minutes of B-roll footage (together with the press release) below.
Sebastian Vettel Becomes First Formula One Star to Drive the New Jersey Circuit
NEW JERSEY, New York - Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel made Formula One history today by becoming the first F1 driver to sample the recently announced Grand Prix Circuit in New Jersey.
Following an inspired performance in the Canadian Grand Prix yesterday, the Red Bull Racing star and Infiniti Global Brand Ambassador drove the street circuit in an Infiniti IPL G Coupe road car ahead of the highly anticipated Grand Prix of America, due to take place in 2013.
Vettel was joined by former Grand Prix winner David Coulthard as the pair completed a number of passenger rides against the iconic Manhattan skyline, set to be a major feature of the race next year.
Leo Hindery, Race Promoter and Keith St. Clair, Director-Infiniti USA Marketing Communications and Media joined Sebastian for a press conference following the demonstration drives.
Commenting on the event, Sebastian Vettel said: "It's been fantastic to be the first to drive the new circuit. I was able to get some good speed up in the Infiniti and it's clear that it is going to be a big challenge in a Formula One car. With such a great setting too, I can't wait to get back here and race in 2013."
Leo Hindery added: "Sebastian got a taste of what racing around the Port Imperial course will be like at 200 miles an hour. We can't wait to host him and the world's other elite drivers with the world's greatest city in the background."
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