The year’s Formula 1 season is panning out in a way few could have predicted at the start of 2020. Delayed by restrictions imposed by Covid-19, racing finally commenced in July but for fans wanting more, a number of UK city maps have been given the motorsport treatment.
City centers in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle have been reimagined by Leasing Options, which has produced maps with corner numbers, sector labels, gradient and even detail such as the DRS (drag reduction system) activation zone, as if each locale were ready to host its own F1 race.
Inspired by the Monaco circuit in the current F1 calendar, the ‘Old Town Circuit’ in Edinburgh is 4.5 miles long with 26 corners. The route takes in much of the old and historic city center, including Edinburgh’s Old Town district, complete with the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on a tight and technical inner-city route that features chicanes and hairpins.
The Newtown Circuit, in Cardiff, is designed to pass the Millennium Centre, Principality Stadium, Motorpoint Arena and Cardiff Castle in another tight city course. Media City, in Manchester, is based around the newly developed quay area while Quayside Circuit in Newcastle takes in all the sights of the city, crossing the Tyne River twice and also featuring St James’ Park, home to Newcastle United soccer club.
