Formula 1

Miami GP track almost ready as last-ditch cancellation bid dismissed

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The Miami Grand Prix chief says the circuit is "95% complete" ahead of the inaugural race on May 8.

Constructions began a year ago to convert the parking lots around Hard Rock Stadium into the Miami International Autodrome, a 5.4km circuit with 19 turns plus unique fan viewing areas such as a temporary beach and yacht club.

Now, the finishing touches are now being applied ahead of what will no doubt be an exciting weekend when Formula 1 gathers in the Floridian city for the first time in just two weeks' time.

"We’re in the final stages of this incredible circuit that will host the first-ever Formula 1 race in Miami," said Richard Cregan, Miami GP CEO.

"We are delighted with the progress we have made and it’s a huge credit to the hard work of the team here in Miami, in consultation with both Formula 1 and the FIA to get this circuit finished in a tight timeline.

"We have tried to create a track that drivers love to race on and a campus that offers unique, best-in-class fan experiences; and we can’t wait for the first weekend in May to be here."

In March, an "innovative" new tarmac surface was laid on the Miami track featuring a mix of local limerock and Georgia granite which is expected to deliver a very smooth circuit for F1.

"There has been no compromise on any aspect of the circuit design or quality of construction," added Cregan.

"In my experience of working with new venues over the years, I’ve never seen as much effort on perfecting the surface of the track as we have done in Miami.

"Everything was exactly per the design, and everyone involved in construction has done an incredible job."

When the lights go out on May 8, there will no doubt be a sigh of relief for F1 owners Liberty Media to have achieved in taking the sport to Miami.

That's because overcoming local opposition to the race has been a constant theme ever since the idea was first proposed in 2018.

On Wednesday, a judge dismissed a final case from Miami Gardens residents which looked to block the event from going ahead due to "intolerable" noise levels.

"Although the burden may seem unfair to the plaintiffs [the residents], I do find that any potential harm [from the noise] is avoidable," he ruled. 

“In combination with that, the evidence proffered so far regarding the potential hearing loss is, in my view, very highly speculative.

"It is not based on any current Formula 1 noise information, and the most recent affidavit from overnight does not take into consideration the south wall [a noise barrier previously erected at the venue].”

While this does give the green light for this year's race to go ahead, further legal cases afterwards are not out of the question particularly as sound monitoring will be done by Miami GP organisers during the weekend as per their Memorandum of Understanding contract with the city.

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