Taylor Swift to headline U.S. Grand Prix concert

Taylor Swift is heading to the races as the headliner for a massive concert at the 2016 U.S. Grand Prix.

The Shake It Off star will play a concert on 22 October (16) for thousands at the Austin, Texas sporting event, which marks the only Formula One race held in America.

Circuit of the Americas chairman Bobby Epstein believes Swift's star power can not only bring in racing fans, but also usher in a new group of music fans who will be introduced to the popular European motorsport

"The top performer in the world right now is Taylor Swift and she will perform on the Saturday before the race the following day," Epstein tells Forbes magazine.

"We think we can bring in 100,000 new people and put on the biggest show... because of the combination of both Formula 1 and Taylor Swift. In the past we have chosen headliners that are a great match with our existing demographic. But I don't need our existing demographic alone. We need the future," he adds.

Epstein noted that the gig will be the singer's only concert in 2016, but her team has yet to confirm his statement. Swift recently wrapped her 1989 tour, which was the highest grossing tour in the world in 2015.

British rocker Elton John closed out Grand Prix weekend last year (15), when top racer Lewis Hamilton claimed the crown. That race was marred by bad weather and drove away the crowds, and financial concerns were raised due to the poor attendance.

The Austin race was also in limbo due to a 20 per cent cut in Texas state funding, but after months of speculation, Epstein confirmed the race is on for 2016 and beyond.