Phoenix Street Circuit
The Phoenix Street Circuit was a street circuit in Phoenix, was held on the 1989-1991 Grand Prix of the United States of Formula 1.
History
The course was in downtown Phoenix near the Phoenix Civic Plaza and the America West Arena before there the ballpark, Bank One Ballpark was built. The Grand Prix of the United States was held there three times, but was canceled due to lack of audience interest. Only in 2000 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway again a Formula 1 race in the USA.
For the first time the United States Grand Prix was held on June 4, 1989 in Phoenix. Ayrton Senna started from pole position, but fell shortly after the race half- time due to electronic problems. The scorching heat of the desert made this race for the teams and drivers very difficult. Of the 26 riders were launched only 6 to the finish. Senna's team-mate Alain Prost won the race ahead of Riccardo Patrese and a native of Phoenix Eddie Cheever. The fourth-placed Christian Danner achieved the best result of his Formula 1 career. But for him and his team Rial it should be the last points that they entered.
To avoid the very high temperatures, the race was moved to the beginning of the season the following year. Thus, the first race of the season in Phoenix was held on 11 March 1990. Senna secured the race win this time. Jean Alesi finished second and made for the first time in Formula 1 attention to himself, as he Senna during the race in his, the McLaren Brazilian significantly inferior, Tyrrell was put under pressure. Also Alesis teammate Satoru Nakajima scored a point with sixth. In this race the first and last time at the same time launched a Minardi from the front row. Pierluigi Martini secured behind Gerhard Berger to second place.
The last time a Grand Prix in Phoenix was held on 10 March 1991. Again, Senna won the race. And again, the stability of the vehicles was crucial, since only nine riders saw the goal. As in the previous year, both Tyrrell placed in the points. Stefano Modena, of the exchanged Ferrari Alesi replaced at Tyrrell, was fourth ahead of team mate Nakajima. The death knell for the Grand Prix came when it became known that a local ostrich festival attracted more viewers than the Formula 1 race.
Statistics
All winners of the Formula 1 race in Phoenix
Record winner: A. Senna ( two wins)