Drivers Give New Circuit the Thumbs up

Formula One's leading drivers have given a preliminary thumbs up to the new road circuit that has been created within the famous Indianapolis oval for Sunday's United States Grand Prix.

Former world champion Michael Schumacher said he was amazed at the scale of the facility, particularly the sprawling paddock known as Gasoline Alley occupying much of the infield.

"The paddock is amazing, but that's all I can say now," the German said. "It's all I've seen so far. The space is pretty huge."

Defending world champion Mika Hakkinen of Finland said he was also impressed by all the work done.

He added: "When you come to a brand new circuit, it is very difficult to learn and to understand the lines. And a Formula One car is so quick. To really learn it well and properly, it is very, very difficult.

"So, I think I'll have to follow Jacques (Villeneuve) a lot because he has been here before. Not for the full track, but at least for part of it."

Villeneuve, winner of the 1995 Indianapolis 500 and the Indycar drivers' title, said he had been impressed by the cicuit since returning for the first time in five years.

"You know, when you spend the whole month here, as you do for the Indianapolis 500, you just get used to it. When you come back, it actually looks very impressive.

Asked about the circuit and its layout, Villeneuve said: "It looks quite interesting. It looks like a car that was quick at Monza should be quick here -- so that is good for us

"But the layout itself, the rhythm of it, looked quite good. There's just a couple of very tight corners that don't seem to have any reasons for being there, but the rest of the course has got a very nice layout."