Track to the Future

German engineering firm Tilke GmbH has released its draft design for the Austin Formula One track, scheduled to hold its first race in 2012. The 3.4-mile track is intended to take advantage of Austin's terrain and is inspired by elements of the world's best tracks, including Silverstone in the UK, the Hockenheimring in Germany, and Istanbul Park's famously challenging corner eight. Reviews from F1 enthusiasts are positive so far, with most attention paid to an uphill run into a hairpin bend on turn one, which Full Throttle Productions managing partner Tavo Hellmund has called the track's signature stretch. He said, "We have a good deal of elevation to make it not only scenic but challenging." Project attorney Richard Suttle confirmed that the paperwork for the first stage – grading and landscaping the terrain – was submitted on Aug. 31. For a more in-depth analysis of the track, visit austinchronicle.com/newsdesk.