Silverstone Gets Green Light

Bernie Ecclestone has given the go-ahead for Silverstone to stage the British Grand Prix on a new layout.

The Northamptonshire track, which won back the right to host the race late last year after plans to move it to Donington Park fell through, will use its new £5 million Arena circuit.

With Silverstone having prised the British MotoGP away from Donington following the loss of the Formula One Grand Prix, the new layout was originally designed with bikes in mind.

However, now that Ecclestone, who controls Formula One's commercial rights, has given his blessing, the Arena circuit will also be used by F1 cars.

The new section, which is 760 metres in length and expected to add four seconds to the current lap time, could help create three new overtaking opportunities.

Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: "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."
Infield

The track will deviate from its existing layout at Abbey corner, where instead of heading into Farm, Bridge and Priory, competitors will now tackle a new infield complex.

The circuit then joins the National Straight before returning to the original Grand Prix circuit at Brooklands.

"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," Phillips continued.

"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."

The abortive deal between Donington and Ecclestone came about after the latter had long criticised Silverstone's facilities.

However, the circuit's owners have sought to undertake improvements, with new elevated viewing banks under construction and existing grandstands set to be moved to bring fans closer to the action.

A new pit and paddock complex is also scheduled to be completed by summer 2011, which will feature new garages, a race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones.