Austin's Tour of the Americas as seen by James Calado

Le WEC is stopping off for the second consecutive year at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, the venue for the 6th round of the 2025 season. An unmissable event held on one of the most iconic and demanding circuits in the United States.

« It is one of the most difficult circuits of the year. ", assures James Calado, pilot of the Classic Ferrari for sale 499P No. 51 shared with Alessandro Pier Guidi and Antonio Giovinazzi. Last year, the No. 83 AF Corse car, then driven by Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye and Robert Shwartzman, set the fastest lap of 1:53 and secured Ferrari's first American Hypercar victory.

« After the long pit straight, we arrive at Turn 1, a climb that's much steeper than it looks from the stands. We downshift to first gear, the apex is blind, and the downhill acceleration is crucial. This leads directly to the famous left-right sequence, the 'snake', where precision between the kerbs is essential. »

Next comes a long, low-speed straight where “ the full width of the vibrator must be used to optimize the output ", before diving under the bridge towards another sharp left turn. " We shift into first gear again, traction is crucial for getting out on the longest straight of the circuit, marked by a few bumps. »

The second sector is tough on the tires with a very demanding double straight, while the final section is full of traps. We approach a blind left that seems to never end, then turns 16 to 18, where respecting track limits is crucial. This is where the difference between a good lap and a great one is decided. Finally, a final tight left brings us back to the pit straight. »

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