Charlie Whiting, the technical delegate and race director of FIA, conducted a 60-day inspection of the venue that is due to host the race in Austin, Texas, from November 16-18. He has described the 3.4-mile track and the pit and paddock buildings as "fantastic", and had no hesitation in awarding COTA "Grade One" status that now allows it to stage grand prix.

"Everything I've seen so far has been absolutely first class, and the progress that's been made since the last time I was here is amazing," said Whiting in a COTA statement. "The guys have done an awesome job; it really is quite fantastic. It's built to the highest quality, exactly as we expected, and I've absolutely no complaints whatsoever."

Whiting believes the drivers, in particular, will be impressed given the possibilities available for over-taking, and which are crucial for entertaining an American audience. He will conduct one final inspection on the Monday before the race to ensure completion of the ongoing landscaping and painting projects.