The Indy F1 track, unveiled in 2000, had 13 turns in its 2.605-mile (4.192 km) layout, while the revised version created for
MotoGP (pictured - click to enlarge) is 2.601 miles (4.186 km) long and will feature 16 turns (ten left, six right).
But the biggest change is in its race direction; unlike
F1, when motorcycles cross the 'Yard of Bricks' to start a lap, they will be travelling counter-clockwise, the same direction as the Indianapolis 500.
Construction has started on parts of the circuit. Paving of an estimated 13,300 tons of asphalt is scheduled to be completed by this autum, and the entire project is scheduled to be finished before Opening Day of the 92nd Indianapolis 500 in May 2008.
"This is like doing delicate surgery as opposed to massive reconstruction," said Kevin Forbes, Indianapolis Motor Speedway's director of engineering and construction.
The major features of the new motorcycle circuit come adjacent to Turn 1 of the oval and in the infield.
A four-turn complex is being built inside Turn 1 of the oval and will comprise the first four turns of the new road circuit. The entrance of this new complex is situated at the end of the front straightaway. This will create nearly 800 feet of runoff area for riders.
The sweeping, left-handed Turn 1 is followed by a short straightaway into the 90-degree, right-handed Turn 2. Another short straight follows that into the tight, right-handed Turn 3, which leads almost immediately into the sharp, left-handed Turn 4. That turn leads riders onto the short chute between Turns 1 and 2 of the oval.
Riders then re-enter the infield at Turn 5, a sweeping, fast left-hander just before Turn 2 of the oval. Turn 6 is a 90-degree left-hander leading into a short straightaway.
Turn 7, a quick right-hander, flows into a short straightaway connecting to the left-handed Turn 8. Another short straight leads to the 90-degree, right-handed Turn 9, from which riders begin to power down the back straight adjacent to Hulman Boulevard in the center of the IMS infield.
