INDIANOPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY 

Overview

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is probably the best known race track in the world. When Formula 1 returned to the United States after a 9 year absence, it was only fitting to go to Indianapolis. The F1 cars use only a small part of the oval. The rest of track is laid out in the infield of the circuit. On the long straight including the banked corner cars will go full throttle for almost 21 seconds, attaining speeds of around 350 kmph. For visitors this track is also very appealing offering great views from almost all positions.

Specifications:

• Starting time: 19:00 CET
• Local time: CET -6 hours
• First GP: 2000
• Circuit length: 4.192 km
• Race laps: 73 laps
• Total distance: 306.016 km
• Winner 2006: Michael Schumacher, Ferrari 
• Fastest Lap: Rubens Barichello - 2004, Ferrari, 1:10.399 

History:

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built in 1909 as a test track and the first 500 internatonal Sweepstake Race was held in 1911. The track was repaved in 1910 with several million bricks, hence its nickname "The Brickyard".

Greater changes have taken place at Indianapolis since the ´90s with a NASCAR Winston Cup race for stock cars in 1994, the split between CART and the IRL, and shortening of practice and qualifying for the 500 race itself - it used to take the whole month of May.

The oval itself has also andergone some changes in the last few years, with redesigned pit entry and exit lanes, raised retaining walls and slightly reprofiled corners, all in the interests of increased safety.

In 1999 the track´s owners announced that they would be running a round of the F1 World Championship in September 2000, on a new road course constructed on roads of the F1 World Championship in September 2000, on a new road course constructed on roads whose foundations already exist, built when the infield golf course was designed. A new European pits garage complex, hospitality suites, control tower, media centre and team offices were built.  

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