Ocon sees Baku comparisons in Miami layout

Esteban Ocon says he believes the new Miami circuit resembles Baku in parts and also predicted an exciting race for the fans.

After years of speculation as well as legal troubles with local residents, the Miami Grand Prix is finally here as teams prepare themselves for a relative unknown with a new track on the calendar.

The Miami International Autodrome track wraps around the Hard Rock Stadium, home of NFL team the Miami Dolphins, to the north of the city and one driver looking forward to this weekend’s grand prix is Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ocon said he could see similarities between the Miami track and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix circuit in Baku.

“It’s going to be exciting, there is a lot to discover for us,” the Frenchman said. “We had a great prep in the sim last week.

“We saw a track which is a little like Baku in parts but has also very fast corners on the other side. It’s a very complete track.

“I think the show is going to be great, there’s going to be some good overtakes. Hopefully we can get to the front.”

The track is 5.4km and features 19 corners and three DRS zones. According to F1, qualifying laps will be in the 1m 28s range and there will be an average speed of 223km/h.

I see you Miami pic.twitter.com/sSxdhxeG6H

— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) May 5, 2022

The FIA’s head of vehicle performance Craig Wilson told F1 that the best overtaking spots will be at Turns 11 and 17 but the more risk-taking drivers may find joy at Turn 1.

Ocon and Alpine will be hoping to kick-start their season in Miami having so far suffered reliability issues. Despite having a car that has shown itself to be among the podium placers in terms of speed, the team is currently in sixth place in the Constructors’