Silverstone Circuits Limited have confirmed, that after a visit from the Formula One Management (FOM), the new Arena complex will be part of the 2010 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix when the track hosts the event on the 9th – 11th July.
The new section of track, which got the approval today, will still feature most of the classic Silverstone track and corners, and with the addiction of the new track section, will make this year's Grand Prix even more of a spectacular event.
The new layout, which leaves the current track at Abbey, heads back towards the Becketts complex, before charging down the National Straight to rejoin the current track at Brooklands.
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
Track facts:
- Additional track length: 760 meters
- Arena Grand Prix length: 5900km or 3.666 miles, increased from 5140km or 3.194miles
- Projected lap time: 1:23.13
- Average Speed: 252kph or 157mph
- Projected F1 maximum speed: 302kph or 182mph
- 18 turns, 10 right and 8 left.
The 'Arena Complex' has been designed to create 3 new overtaking opportunities, and Richard Phillips, the Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited said about the changes: “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.”
The first race action that will take place on the new 'Arena Complex' will be the Silverstone Supercar race weekend, on the 1st and 2nd May, which features the FIA GT race.
Also using the new Arena Complex is the Moto GP on the 18th – 20th June and the World Superbike Championship on the 30th July – 1st August.
As well as the on tract developments, Silverstone are also improving the experience for the fans, by building elevated spectator banks, existing grandstands and fence lines are being moved closer to the track.
The new Pits complex will be built between the spring of 2010 and summer of 2011 and will contain new pit garages, a race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones and a primary paddock.
The cost of all these upgrades is £5 million.
Tickets for the 2010 Formula One Santander British Grand Prix are now on sale.
