As MotoGP nears its third-consecutive appearance at Circuit of the Americas just outside of Austin, Texas, the track released a teaser video to amp up anticipation. Only man was needed for the job – 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, who is partially responded for COTA’s existence.
During the video, titled “Two Minutes at COTA with Kevin Schwantz,” the 50-year-old Texan explains the many challenges that are present at the 3.426-mile circuit containing 20 turns and multiple elevation changes.
Schwantz knows COTA well; he spearhead the creation of the circuit, and assisted in the design. Kevin says COTA encompasses everything that’s challenging in racing, and he believes it’s layout makes it “one of the most physical tracks to race at anywhere in the world.”
We concur; we spent a day testing the 2015 BMW S1000RR, and the track was by far the most physical on the body and mind. After riding at COTA, it quickly gives you a new respect for the talent in MotoGP – or any other road-racing series that competes there.
In the video above, Schwantz pilots a Suzuki GSX-R1000 around the circuit, explaining its layout. He then mentions how great the circuit displays the true talents of MotoGP pilots like Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez – three riders that will surely be battling during this year’s COTA GP, which is scheduled for April 10-12.
For a review of last year’s race, visit 2014 Circuit of the Americas MotoGP Results.
