Work has begun on the upgrading of Silverstone for the new “Arena” circuit which will be used to host the MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycle races. The changes should be completed by the start of March. The circuit says that it is discussing whether the new sections should be used for the British Grand Prix. Other work is also being done to improve the facility with the Pit Straight grandstands having been removed in order to create new run-off areas for motorcycle races.
In addition to this spectator viewing areas being improved at Becketts with spectators banks being increased in height. There will be a new grandstand situation on top of the new banking.
Thus far 180,000 ton of earth has been moved around the circuit, of which 50,000 ton has been used to in crease the spectator banking. All of the earth is being reused, so nothing has been taken off-site- 8,000 tons of tarmac has been laid so far and 6,000 metres of barriers has been erected. There will also be a further 2,500 metres of FIA and FIM approved kerbing.
Looks a lot like Donington now!
Hi Joe,
Great blog.
Any idea what the new layout will mean as far as changes to the track? Are there more or less corners? Will the fantastic flow of the circuit be changed for the better or worse? Will lap times be expected to come down or go up? And more importantly, will these motorcycle-based changes translate well for single-seater cars? Will overtaking chances dwindle or flourish, or will things be largely the same?
Thanks Joe.
I’d quite like to see this new layout used for the F1 GP.
Looking at the map of the Arena layout it looks like Becketts will be a great place to spectate. Not only will you be able to see the usual fast sweepers but it looks as though you’ll be able to see the new hairpin beyond them and this could be a new (dare I say it) passing place!
Presumably they will be replacing the demolished pits straight grandstands with new ones further back from the track? If so, I hope they will be covered.
Hi Joe,
Will this increase the capacity of Silverstone?
One can only hope this isn’t Donington redux, although I don’t think BRDC is near so broke…
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