Yahoo Autos Miami Grand Prix adds four new circuit configurations for year-round usage
The Miami International Autodrome has added four new circuit configurations that will allow the track to be used year-round without the need for road closures.
The home of the Miami Grand Prix has been on the Formula 1 calendar for the past three years, but has only hosted the F1 race and associated support events during one weekend per year due to the impact on the parking lots at Hard Rock Stadium and the requirement to close roads that the grand prix circuit crosses.
Inner loops that have been made possible via hairpins and a new section before the original Turn 11 and after Turn 16 that links up with the rest of the track. The four new layouts range from a 19-turn 2.8-mile configuration to a 1.43-mile short loop that features 13 corners and will allow the track to host competitive race events at other times of the year as well as private track events.
Miami Grand Prix managing partner Tom Garfinkel says the development means the circuit can both host corporate events as well as focus on community-based days.
“This is an exciting time to be a motorsports enthusiast here in South Florida,” Garfinkel said. “Our investment into the facility and construction of the inner loop creates five track configurations worthy of the world’s most elite drivers and allows us to engage with the growing motorsports community of South Florida while also respecting the impact to local residents and businesses.
“There’s a thriving car culture here in South Florida and this investment enables us to better serve this growing group of automotive enthusiasts, as well as utilizing our campus for more community programming, including education and career opportunities for local youth and students.”
The largest new configuration is known as the Extended Marina Loop, and will host the Ferrari Racing Days from May 14-18 in 2025, two weeks after the next edition of the Miami Grand Prix. The F1 race will continue to use the full grand prix layout.
