Formula One 101 Express-News staff writer Richard Oliver gets you geared up for today's United States Grand Prix in Austin: Hottest driver on circuit, who won series titles the past two years, leads current points chase after winning four of the past five races and five overall. Resident of Monaco, the 2008 series champion has 20 career wins. Series' 2009 titlist has 14 career wins, including two this year. Considered one of the up-and-comers on the circuit, Guadalajara native will be motivated in what he considers his “home race” in front of a huge Mexican fan base. Called Formula One because cars must adhere to a certain set of formulas, without exception. Formula One cars can reach speeds of up to 220 mph, utilizing engines limited to 18,000 RPMs. Formula One boasts an international television audience of more than 525 million during the course of its schedule each year. During some stretches of races, thanks to aerodynamic pushes, drivers are only inches from the pavement. Temperatures in car cockpits can reach more than 135 degrees, and athletes endure G-forces beyond what shuttle astronauts tackle on liftoffs. Formula One was the spearhead behind the cool technology, Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The results of races include points according to finish to determine eventual world titles for drivers and constructors, or teams.