INDIANAPOLIS CIRCUIT INFORMATION
AND 2008 RACE PROGRAM
THE 2008 UNITED STATES FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX
When it comes to motor racing the Brickyard is regarded as one of the best and oldest racing circuits in the world. Commonly referred to as the Racing Capital of the World, the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, hosts some of the largest and most historic motor sport events in the United States. The Indianapolis Formula 1 circuit offers Formula One fans an outstanding motor racing experience, on a friendly and exciting Formula One circuit.
Drivers and fans alike love coming to Indianapolis, with its exceptional food and nightlife. Indy has it all - from casual sport bars to the countrys best rated steakhouses. The nightlife in Indy is varied and vibrant and fans can explore this cosmopolitan city until the early hours of the morning.
A visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum is highly recommended. Located on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Formula 1 circuit, this excellent museum is recognized as one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to racing cars and motor racing.
INDIANAPOLIS CIRCUIT INFORMATION
General information
The oldest circuit, which is still in use today, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a true motor sport legend. Originally built in 1908, at a cost of $75,000 it was totally constructed of crushed stone and tar. Following a spate of accidents however, the decision was taken to replace the surface with bricks - 3.2 million of them to be precise. Thus the legend of 'the Brickyard' was born.
The combination of the 1.7 kilometres long oval section with the slow and tricky infield makes the Indianapolis Grand Prix circuit a challenge for the chassis, engines and the tyres. One unique feature of the Indianapolis Formula 1 circuit lay out, is its long high-speed section - 23 seconds of uninterrupted full throttle!
What the drivers say
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is legendary and it is one of the places that every driver would like to win at, like Monaco and Spa. This Indianapolis Formula 1 circuit is interesting, as the tremendously long straight, is countered by a very slow and twisty infield. It is a fast circuit like Montreal, with top speeds as much as 335km/h, reached along the main straight.
The straight rewards low drag and powerful engines, whilst good balance, downforce and mechanical grip are required for the infield section. In recent years, teams have discovered that the balance required for a fast lap is medium-high downforce, which however penalises their speed on the straight, so they progressively take off downforce to reduce drag until they think they are no longer vulnerable to being passed on the straight during the race. This also means that the teams with the best engines tend to have the biggest advantage as they can carry more downforce down the main straight.
RACING PROGRAM AND EVENT SCHEDULE
Although not yet finalised for 2008, we have included the 2006 Formula 1 program, to give you an idea of what the event program should look like. Except for the two Friday free practice sessions, which will be extended to two 90-minute sessions for 2008, we do not expect any other major changes from the 2006 program.
So please take note that the following 2006 program and schedule could change for 2008.
FRIDAY
| 08h45 09h20 |
Indy Pro Series |
Free Practice Session |
| 09h50 10h20 |
Formula BMW USA |
Free Practice Session |
| 11h00 12h00 |
Formula One |
First Free Practice Session |
| 12h30 13h15 |
Indy Pro Series |
Qualifying Session |
| 14h00 15h00 |
Formula One |
Second Free Practice Sessions |
| 15h30 16h15 |
Porsche Michelin Cup |
Free Practice Session |
| 16h45 17h25 |
Formula BMW USA |
Qualifying Session |
| 17h45 18h25 |
Porsche Michelin Cup |
Qualifying Session 1 |
SATURDAY
| 08h40 09h15 |
Formula BMW USA |
Race 1 |
| 10h00 11h00 |
Formula 1 |
Third Practice Session |
| 11h30 12h10 |
Porsche Michelin Cup |
Qualifying Session 2 |
| 13h00 14h00 |
Formula 1 |
Qualifying Session |
| 14h30 15h05 |
Indy Pro Series |
Race |
| 15h30 16h00 |
Porsche Michelin Cup |
Race 1 |
SUNDAY
| 09H30 10h00 |
Formula BMW USA |
Race 2 |
| 10h25 11h00 |
Porsche Michelin Cup |
Race 2 |
| 11h30 |
Formula 1 |
Drivers Parade |
| 11h45 12h15 |
Formula One |
Grid Presentation |
| 13h00 |
Formula 1 |
United States Grand Prix 2008
(73 Laps) |
