Bolt to start US Formula 1 Grand Prix

Usain Bolt is set to trade the running track for the race track after he was confirmed as the official starter for the United States Grand Prix.

The eight-time Olympic champion, who hung up his running spikes following August’s World Championships in London, will give the signal to start the formation lap ahead of Sunday’s race in Austin.

Lewis Hamilton, who could clinch his fourth world championship this weekend, is also set to drive Bolt round the track in a road car two hours before the start of the grand prix.

As part of a star-studded line-up, boxing announcer Michael Buffer will introduce Hamilton and the rest of the pack one-by-one on to the grid ahead of Sunday’s race.

F1’s new owners Liberty Media have also taken the unprecedented step of changing the sport’s schedule to accommodate a Justin Timberlake concert.

Pop star Timberlake is due to perform at the circuit on Saturday evening and qualifying will be moved back by two hours.

Hamilton heads Sebastian Vettel in the title race by 59 points and will seal his third championship in four years if he wins on Sunday, and his rival finishes sixth or lower.

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