JUNE 13, 2012

Whiting impressed by Austin

Charlie Whiting, the FIA's F1 race director, flew to the Circuit of the Americas in Texas after Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix to check on progress ahead of the inaugural Texan race in November.

The grand prix will be the first in the United States since the Indianapolis race of 2007 and, although contractual disputes led to construction delays, the Austin race looks to be on schedule, with tickets now on sale to the public and selling well.

"From the world-class motorsport facilities and fan areas to the race track itself, which promises to be one of the most challenging new additions to our season, I believe the Circuit of the Americas has the ability to put on a great show," Whiting said.

Whiting plans another visit at the end of F1's summer break in August, ahead of the track's formal pre-race inspection slated for September 25.