Confirmed! F1 to race in New Jersey in 2013 with NYC backdrop (Updated with track video)

New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has confirmed that Formula 1 will race on the banks of the city in 2013 with New York City as the backdrop.

UPDATE: The Star Ledger New Jersey has done a video of the proposed race track from a road vehicle. It looks like it could be a stunning circuit but the roads will need some serious re-paving before the F1 cars hit the track.

America hasn’t hosted a Formula 1 race since 2007, but with the addition of the Grand Prix of the Americas in Texas from next year, it will appear twice from 2013. Bernie Ecclestone, ring master of Formula 1, has never hidden the fact that he would like F1 to race in New York City, but with serious traffic issues and a lack of space for grand stands, the shores of New Jersey are the next best thing and will show off New York City in the distance.

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The race itself will be a 3.2 mile street circuit, Autosport reports. It will run through the suburb of Weehawken, on roads around Port Imperial and Palisades Avenue. This would have the race running around the docks near the Lincoln Tunnel using the Weehawken Waterfront Park and Recreation Centre as the main spectator point, pit complex and paddock area. If it were to use a bit of Palisades Avenue as the actual track, the cars would be flying down the narrow two lane street right through the residential area.

Exact track specifications aside from the approximate length are yet to be announced, but the area is directly across the Hudson River from Hell’s Kitchen with West 26th St up to West 56th Street, New York City, being in prime view of the circuit.

“I’m pleased that New Jersey will play host to Formula 1 beginning 2013, bringing one of the world’s most popular and exciting sports right to our backyard,” Christie said.
“I can assure Formula 1 that this is one of the wisest decisions you have ever made, to come and hold this event in New Jersey

F1 has raced in New York State before at Watkins Glen. Pictured above is the A1 GP Team US car, based on the 2003 Ferrari F1 car.

Via Autosport

Damian Francis

Damian Francis has previously edited Australian T3 and F1 Racing magazine and wrote for GQ Australia and Men’s Health. Unlike Nick and Trev, he has no kids, no mortgage and no wife, but lives happily on Sydney’s North Shore with his girlfriend.