David Coulthard Drifts the Red Bull Formula 1 Car Around Unfinished Circuit of the Americas

The history of the United States Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar has not always been a successful one. Things began well with the race being held at Sebring and River Side Raceway in the late 50s. Then it moved to probably its best location yet at Watkins Glen in New York from 1961 to 1980. The race was often held at the end of the season with upstate New York's trees turning from green to fiery red and orange. Since then, things have not been as good. During the 80s, Races were held on street tracks in Detroit, Long Beach, Dallas, Phoenix and probably worst of all through parking lots in Las Vegas.

After a decade hiatus, Formula 1 returned to the US in 2000 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but things were not that rosy. The track was boring, seating did not allow great views of the cars and famously, after a tire dispute in 2005, only six cars raced that year.

Maybe things are finally looking up for the United States Grand Prix. Next year the race is moving to a purpose built track near Austin, Texas named the Circuit of the Americas. The 2012 United States Grand Prix will be from November 16-18 to avoid high temperatures. The track plans to eventually add Moto GP and Australian V8 Supercars as well.

The 5.5km track appears quite fast with a long straight and fast, flowing corners.

Red Bull has been doing what it can to promote the new race including sending David Coulthard there to race around the unfinished course. He also drove through the streets of Austin and took the car through the dirt at a cattle ranch. Red Bull produced a video showing Coulthard having some fun and also a behind the scenes video. Both are posted below.