Post by blacktulip on Apr 29, 2010 14:31:25 GMT
Silverstone unveiled its revised grand prix circuit on Thursday in a launch event attended by a host of VIP guests and motorsport dignitaries.
The new layout, which was completed last month, will be used from this year’s British Grand Prix on July 9-11 and is the first step in an ambitious redevelopment of the historic Northamptonshire venue.
The multi-million pound revamp has added 760m to the lap distance through an infield detour from Abbey towards Becketts and back to the Brooklands complex via the National circuit straight.
The changes – originally conceived for MotoGP – are designed to improve safety, spectator viewing and overtaking opportunities.
The new circuit was officially opened by HRH the Duke of York, the UK’s Special Representative for international trade and investment, who emphasised the role of Silverstone and the motorsport industry in maintaining the UK’s engineering excellence and economic future.
Silverstone’s managing director Richard Phillips expressed his satisfaction with the new configuration and said it had been approved by FIA race director Charlie Whiting.
“I think what we have come up with now is pretty good,” said Phillips.
“Charlie Whiting was here yesterday and we walked the circuit and we’ve got our Grade A licence for the next three years.
“There are a few tweaks still to do, but then we’ll be there.”
Silverstone is also making a number of improvements to spectator viewing areas, constructing raised viewing banks, and moving existing grandstands and fence lines to bring fans closer to the on-track action.
A new pit and paddock complex, to be located between Club and Abbey, is scheduled to be ready for use by the summer of next year.
BRDC president Damon Hill, who took the Duke of York for some inauguration laps in a two-seater car, described the arena-like infield section as “fantastic” and said he couldn’t wait to see Formula 1 cars going through it.
The extra 760m is expected to add only four seconds to F1 lap times, meaning that the average speed is likely to be significantly higher on the new layout despite the addition of a tight right-left-left complex.
This is due to the creation of two lengthy flat-out sections, the first running from Club corner to the first sharp right-hander of the new complex and the other being the National circuit straight – renamed Wellington Straight – on which top speeds are expected to match those on the 190mph Hangar Straight.
The new circuit will be christened at this weekend's FIA GT Championship meeting.
The new layout, which was completed last month, will be used from this year’s British Grand Prix on July 9-11 and is the first step in an ambitious redevelopment of the historic Northamptonshire venue.
The multi-million pound revamp has added 760m to the lap distance through an infield detour from Abbey towards Becketts and back to the Brooklands complex via the National circuit straight.
The changes – originally conceived for MotoGP – are designed to improve safety, spectator viewing and overtaking opportunities.
The new circuit was officially opened by HRH the Duke of York, the UK’s Special Representative for international trade and investment, who emphasised the role of Silverstone and the motorsport industry in maintaining the UK’s engineering excellence and economic future.
Silverstone’s managing director Richard Phillips expressed his satisfaction with the new configuration and said it had been approved by FIA race director Charlie Whiting.
“I think what we have come up with now is pretty good,” said Phillips.
“Charlie Whiting was here yesterday and we walked the circuit and we’ve got our Grade A licence for the next three years.
“There are a few tweaks still to do, but then we’ll be there.”
Silverstone is also making a number of improvements to spectator viewing areas, constructing raised viewing banks, and moving existing grandstands and fence lines to bring fans closer to the on-track action.
A new pit and paddock complex, to be located between Club and Abbey, is scheduled to be ready for use by the summer of next year.
BRDC president Damon Hill, who took the Duke of York for some inauguration laps in a two-seater car, described the arena-like infield section as “fantastic” and said he couldn’t wait to see Formula 1 cars going through it.
The extra 760m is expected to add only four seconds to F1 lap times, meaning that the average speed is likely to be significantly higher on the new layout despite the addition of a tight right-left-left complex.
This is due to the creation of two lengthy flat-out sections, the first running from Club corner to the first sharp right-hander of the new complex and the other being the National circuit straight – renamed Wellington Straight – on which top speeds are expected to match those on the 190mph Hangar Straight.
The new circuit will be christened at this weekend's FIA GT Championship meeting.
will take some pics from all angles or hubbie will!