11/02/2010
NEWS STORY
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Silverstone Circuits Limited has confirmed that, following approval from Formula One Management (FOM), the 2010 British Grand Prix will be run on the Arena Grand Prix Circuit.
The majority of Silverstone's iconic straights and high-speed corner are retained in the Arena Grand Prix Circuit. The only significant change is from Abbey corner where, instead of heading into Farm Straight, Bridge and Priory on the traditional Grand Prix circuit - which remains and will be used for future events, including historic races - the drivers will now turn right at Abbey onto a dramatic new section of track.
Turning right at Abbey corner, Button, Hamilton, Schumacher and co. will now race back up towards 'Becketts' and into the new 'Arena Complex', which has been designed with a view to creating three new overtaking opportunities. The circuit then links up with the 'National Straight' before re-joining the original Grand Prix circuit at 'Brooklands'.
Silverstone has invested more than £5 million on this new, super fast circuit, with work scheduled for completion in March, 2010. Away from the track, the Northamptonshire venue is making a number of improvements to its spectator viewing areas. In addition to constructing elevated viewing banks, existing grandstands and fence lines are being moved to bring fans closer to the on-track action.
The new track design retains the essence of Silverstone - a fast and flowing, yet technically challenging circuit that the drivers love. Scientific data, based on mathematical simulations and interpolations provided by Populous, the world's leading sports architecture firm who have consulted with drivers and riders to design the new circuit, has calculated that Silverstone will continue to be one of the quickest circuits on the F1 calendar. Despite the circuit length being increased by 760m, lap times for an F1 car will only be increased by four seconds.
Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: "The new sections of circuit were initially brought in to comply with MotoGP safety regulations, but the 'Arena Complex' was always designed with both two and four-wheeled racing in mind. We have been very careful, working closely with drivers and riders, to make sure we are improving and enhancing what Silverstone already has to offer - from a drivers, riders and spectators point of view.
"Some will miss not seeing modern day F1 cars accelerating through Bridge, but we have to move with the times and continue looking at ways to improve the overall experience. The new layout will bring an extra dimension to Silverstone, a new challenge for the drivers, and will enable fans to get closer to the action. We have a very exciting year ahead of us, with F1, MotoGP and World Superbikes all coming to Silverstone, and I can't wait to see how the drivers and riders tackle the new circuit."
Work on Silverstone's new Pit and Paddock Complex, to be located between Club and Abbey, is scheduled to be carried out between the spring of 2010 and the summer of 2011. Included in the complex will be new garages, a race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones and a primary paddock.
Key facts:
Additional track length - 760m
Arena Grand Prix Circuit length - 3.666 miles (5.900 km) increased from 3.194 miles (5.140 km)
Projected F1 Lap Time - 1:23.13
Projected F1 Average Speed - 157 mph (252 kph)
Projected F1 Maximum Speed - 188 mph (302 kph)
Turns - 18 (R 10 / L 8)