With the slogan “The Prelude to Formula 1,” the Yucatán Race Track is getting ready for its first event: The Formula 4 Grand Prix.
Formula 4, also called FIA F4, is a racing category was created by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile—the international sanctioning body for motorsport—as an entry-level category for young drivers.
There is no worldwide championship, but nations or regions host their own competitions in compliance with FIA rules. In this case, the event is part of Mexico’s NACAM F4 season, which has already raced in Austin, Texas; Mexico City and Puebla. After Yucatán, NACAM hosts a competition in Cancun.
FIA also governs Formula 1, the highest category of motorsport.
The weekend of auto racing will take place Jan. 27-29. Formula 4 The Autódromo Yucatán (map) posted details on its Facebook page. Part of the event will also be televised on Fox Sports.
The Autódromo management says the track is “built to world standards” at 3.4 km long and 15 meters wide, suitable for Nascar and other racing categories. Cars can reach speeds up to 260 kph, or 161 mph
The track was over three years in the making on land near Paraíso, at kilometer 24 of the Merida-Progreso highway. It’s builder is Javier Montero Azuara, a Veracruzao businessman based in Yucatán.
Since the site is a work in progress, visitors will sit on portable bleachers until a grandstand is built. A hot-air balloon festival will make use of the grounds Jan. 19-22.
