Indianapolis MotoGP circuit excites Schwantz

Seven MotoGP representatives were on-track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week, with universal praise for the latest circuit to be added to the World Championship calendar. Whilst riders were present to pick up data for the September 14th Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix, former MotoGP World Champion Kevin Schwantz was also in attendance as mentor for Suzuki´s Ben Spies, and added his own positive review of the track.

`I think the layout is great, and for the spectators to come here to the United States and see for the first time 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP all together here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – the mecca of motorsports – is just great,´ said the American at a `MotoGP 101´ media session held on Wednesday.

The 1993 MotoGP World Champion does not bandy praise around lightly, and hinted at some initial skepticism about the incorporation of the speedway within the typical Indy 500 layout. Despite the difficulty of such a project, Schwantz had nothing but good things to say about the work carried out at the legendary circuit.

`We talk about racing inside an oval or at a speedway and it's typically not a very well laid-out venue, and this track has gone to all expenses and have cut no corners to try to make this the best possible motorcycle event here in the United States.´

The emblematic home straight –one of the longest on the calendar and involving a transition through the gears from a near standstill- should provide some entertaining drafting and acceleration on raceday at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix. When quizzed on the best passing spots, Schwantz identified both the straight and its unique first corner as probable prime positions for overtaking.

`The entrance into the first turn here is going to be a spot where guys are not necessarily going in and having to out-brake, but getting a drive and a bit of a draft and going up and taking that spot,´ he analysed.

`Now the guy trapped on the outside is going to have to hold that line all the way around back to that first tight little right-hander that there is. Not to say that it can't be done, but it would take a brave man to try it.´

Whether Spies is said brave man will be seen on September 14th, when Schwantz will once again be looking on from the Rizla Suzuki garage. The American is staying on in Indianapolis to oversee the first Red Bull AMA Rookies Cup testing session, which takes place today (Thursday).