NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Early thumbs up for Austin

Formula One's drivers, who take to the Circuit of the Americas for the first time tomorrow, have been highly complimentary about what they have seen so far at Austin, with many of them walking or cycling the track.

By Tony Dodgins (@TonyDodgins)

Formula One's drivers, who take to the Circuit of the Americas for the first time tomorrow, have been highly complimentary about what they have seen so far at Austin, with many of them walking or cycling the track.

Fernando Alonso said: "The track seems spectacular, very, very nice. . It will be challenging for us drivers and for the engineers as well."

Jenson Button added: "I like it. The Turn 1 exit is tough because the circuit falls away and the next sector is really cool.It's good on a bike and it's going to be fun at 150mph! Indianapolis was not made for us, we need a circuit with fast corners to show what a Formula 1 can do. Turns 2 - 8 with fast changes of direction , are special. You don't often see that on modern circuits and it's more like Suzuka or Becketts at Silverstone, so hopefully it's going to feel as good as it looks."