07/07/2010
NEWS STORY
At the mid-way point of the 2010 season, the teams and drivers will encounter a heavily revised Silverstone circuit for this weekend's British Grand Prix.
Significant changes have been made to the track this year, aimed at improving the spectator experience, while keeping facilities at the historic venue - which hosted the inaugural round of the Formula One World Championship on May 13, 1950 - in line with those at newer locations.
The new layout is approximately 800 metres longer than the 2009 version and the most extensive revisions have been made between Club corner and Brooklands.
Lap times are expected to be around four seconds slower than last year, when the fastest race lap was posted by Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel (1:20.735), but the circuit redesign is intended to increase overtaking opportunities without removing its high-speed character.
Silverstone has traditionally been one of the fastest tracks on the F1 calendar and in recent years has emerged as a favourite with drivers, thanks to its numerous fast sweeping curves, such as the Maggotts/Becketts complex.
Simulations of the new layout have indicated it will require higher levels of downforce to optimise braking and traction through the new infield section, particularly around the new Village corner.
Changes to the circuit since 2009
The circuit has been completely re-aligned between the former turns 9 and 16.
Additional asphalt run-off areas have been added at turns 3, 10,11,12,13,14,15,16 and 18.
A supplementary run-off area has been provided on the exit of turn 18.
A two metre wide strip of artificial grass has been laid behind the kerbs on the exit of turns 7, 13, 15, 16 and 17.
Higher kerb elements have been laid on the apex of turns 2, 3, 8,9,13 and 14.
To experience the revised Silverstone circuit in more detail click here