Silverstone Releases New Track Layout Plans

Silverstone Circuits Ltd has unveiled provisional plans for a number of modifications to the track and spectator viewing areas at its Northamptonshire base. The most significant addition to the circuit will be a new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to an ‘Arrowhead’ at the inside of Becketts. The Arrowhead will then join up with the existing National Straight. Additional sections of track will also be laid at Chapel and Club in anticipation of the MotoGP World Championship rounds between 2010 and 2014 (following the signing of an agreement with Dorna to take the series to Silverstone).

Silverstone says that the Arrowhead and its approach will provide a focal point for overtaking and will be surrounded by several new spectator areas. It will also be overlooked by the grandstand at Becketts, providing fans with an opportunity to see two sections of track from the one vantage point. The grandstands and safety barriers will also be moved at Woodcote to enable the circuit to build a new run off area at the fast entry to Pit Straight and dispose of the slow chicane, which is currently a necessity for safety purposes.

The new plans represent a £5 million investment, and the work will be carried out between November 2009 and March 2010. Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented, “Silverstone is one of the easiest circuits to get in and out of in the world, we have sizeable hard-standing car parks, and the facilities for teams, media and fans are second to none. We are happy with the infrastructure, but we now have an opportunity to make some exciting changes to the circuit and fundamental improvements to the viewing experience for fans.

“The new Arrowhead on the inside of Becketts will be a major new feature of the circuit. The fast approach sharp left should provide plenty of opportunities overtake, making it a real focal point for spectators. The views will be fantastic, especially from the new spectator banking areas and grandstands we will be building around the Arrowhead.

“The viewing experience for fans is hugely important and we now have an opportunity to make sure it is absolutely right, all around the circuit. The new layout will also enable fans to circulate around the venue more easily, to watch all the action from different vantage points. We are making a significant investment but it is absolutely worth it. Early feedback from both riders and drivers has been very positive. The chicane at Woodcote is going and changes to other sections of the circuit should result in increased overtaking opportunities.”

Phillips also confirmed that the planned changes would not mean the end for the current Grand Prix circuit, “This year’s Formula One British Grand Prix will take place on the current Grand Prix circuit and that circuit will continue to be available to us for appropriate events. However, the new layout will be more suitable for two- wheeled racing, and will be an exciting circuit for both two and four-wheeled events.”