Vettel-Alonso Duel Rolls Onto New Track In US

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – The Formula One season comes down to this: Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel leads Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso by 10 points with two races left, the first on a course neither has driven before.

The first U.S. Grand Prix since 2007 will be run Sunday at the new, $400 million Circuit of the Americas built near Austin, Texas. Both drivers have practiced on simulators and either walked or rode a bicycle around the course. But they won’t know precisely what to expect until behind the wheel.

Both drivers say the 20-turn course with a 133-foot rise into the first turn looks interesting and challenging. Each is seeking a third championship.