• US Grand Prix
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First layer of tarmac 'married' at COTA

ESPN Staff
August 7, 2012 « Force India switches focus to 2013 | Sauber will approach Ferrari first over 2014 engines »
The first layer of tarmac goes down on the pit straight © Circuit of the Americas
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The first layer of tarmac has been laid at the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the return of the US Grand Prix to the calendar in November.

The circuit outside Austin has been making steady progress since construction halted over the winter due to a contractual dispute. The process known as "marrying the track" was completed last week as strip of tarmac was laid on the pit straight.

"About ten feet of Central Texas clay was excavated the entire length of the track," said a statement on the circuit's website. "A black poly material 30 millimeters in thickness was then placed along the length of the excavated portion. This material acts as an envelope for layers of select fill to be placed so that it remains exactly in place."

Photos of the circuit also reveal that the pit and paddock complex has been constructed with work ongoing on the main pit-straight grandstand. FIA safety delegate Charlie Whiting is set to visit the circuit again this month for a routine inspection.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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