New Layout for Silverstone for 2010

[PeterJB]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8511026.stm

This year's British Grand Prix is to be held on Silverstone's new "Arena" circuit layout, which is aimed at improving overtaking opportunities.
Silverstone said on Thursday that it had been given approval to use the design by the sport's bosses.
The new layout introduces a series of corners after Abbey corner before rejoining the old track at Brooklands.
It lengthens the track by 0.472 miles to 3.666 miles and is expected to add about four seconds to lap times.
Silverstone had already decided to use the new layout for the MotoGP race, for which it has won back the contract from Donington Park, but was awaiting approval from the F1 authorities.
A statement said the new layout had "been designed with a view to creating three new overtaking opportunities".
The track said it had invested £5m in the changes, which are scheduled to be completed in March.
Silverstone is also attempting to improve the facilities for spectators by constructing elevated viewing banks and moving existing grandstands to bring the fans closer to the action.
Silverstone Circuits managing director Richard Phillips 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 - 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."
The new track layout is the first stage of a series of improvements Silverstone is aiming to make after it ended uncertainty over the future of the British GP by winning in December a 17-year contract to host the race.
The next stage is a new pit and paddock complex, to be located between Club and Abbey corners and which is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2011.
New garages, a race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones will be included.

I quite like it. Would make better viewing for the crowds at Maggots and Becketts certainly, as most of the track will be visible.

 

[Tom-D]

It has been announced that this years British Grand prix will be held at the new look 'Arena' circuit at Silverstone.

The new layout see's drivers turn right at abbey and race back up towards Becketts before tackling the new 'Arena Complex'. This replaces the previous route where the cars would continue into Farm Straight, Bridge and Priory. The new section will rejoin the existing track at Brooklands.

Apparently done to create more overtaking opportunities.

Silverstone will remain one of the fastest tracks on the calender and lap times will increase by about 4 seconds.

Thoughts?

 

[Duke of Pendle]

Interesting......but someone has the maths wrong:

"It lengthens the track by 0.472 miles to 3.666 miles and is expected to add about four seconds to lap times."

So - 0.472 miles in 4 seconds. That works out to an average speed of 424.8mph, according to my maths.

Whatever - anything to make Silverstone more appealing for spectators is a win in my book 👍

 

[TheCracker]

Interesting......but someone has the maths wrong:

"It lengthens the track by 0.472 miles to 3.666 miles and is expected to add about four seconds to lap times."

So - 0.472 miles in 4 seconds. That works out to an average speed of 424.8mph, according to my maths.

The Arena layout misses out most of Abbey, Bridge and Priory and the straight bits inbetween. It's not just a loop in addition to the existing layout.

They've not got much time to do the work if it's to be used this season. What will happen to the club (and other international) races that will be using the circuit between now and July?

 

[Ian Poole]

This new paddock area between club and abbey, MotoGP or F1 using it?

 

[TheCracker]

This new paddock area between club and abbey, MotoGP or F1 using it?

Both i'd guess. I don't see why not.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

This new paddock area between club and abbey, MotoGP or F1 using it?

If I recall correctly, the new paddock and pit lane wont be completed in time for either events this year, but will be used from next year onwards.

 

[Duke of Pendle]

The Arena layout misses out most of Abbey, Bridge and Priory and the straight bits inbetween. It's not just a loop in addition to the existing layout.

Thanks for enlightening me 👍

 

[chrisbroughton]

Yes. This is good news for F1. It is longer, faster and more "silverstone" with its long straights and fast curves. The twisty, and poor, bridge/abbey section has gone. It's more like the 1980s layouts in feel.

Plus the cash injection should keep the future of the british GP safe

 

[yeti]

They've not got much time to do the work if it's to be used this season. What will happen to the club (and other international) races that will be using the circuit between now and July?

Except for the joining bits - the new track can be done without disrupting the original circuit... (the current (Old?) layout will still be in existence)

The problem with Donnington - is that they had to relay the entire track - and they ran out of money after they dug it all up...

C.

 

[Ardius]

Should be a good layout, I will miss the Bridge and Priory corners but Brooklands and Abbey should be better corners now. 👍

Club will also be a far more important corner if Abbey is as quick as I think it is. Which is good because Club is normally great in the lower categories for alternative lines and good exits leading to some great racing action - its one of my favourite corners for producing good racing.

 

[Alan_G]

It's unfortunate to have to lose Abbey and Bridge (although I've never liked the post-98 Priory!).

The National Circuit will pretty much be the same. But I wonder about the International Circuit - will this turn right off Chapel, and go the "wrong" way down the new back-straight, and use the old Farm/Abbey/Priory?

 

[Sureboss]

The Arena layout misses out most of Abbey, Bridge and Priory and the straight bits inbetween. It's not just a loop in addition to the existing layout.

They've not got much time to do the work if it's to be used this season. What will happen to the club (and other international) races that will be using the circuit between now and July?

Don't worry, Dan, you're safe, they're not changing the first 2 corners

 

[TheCracker]

Except for the joining bits - the new track can be done without disrupting the original circuit... (the current (Old?) layout will still be in existence)

I'd be surprised if they didn't need to resurface the Club Straight, it's pretty tatty these days, especially the rough strip down the right hand side. It's OK for us clubbies, but the Moto GP and F1 boys wouldn't put up with it.

The problem with Donnington - is that they had to relay the entire track - and they ran out of money after they dug it all up...

They only dug up a couple of small sections at Donington.

Don't worry, Dan, you're safe, they're not changing the first 2 corners

Yeah, thanks for that - i actually have quite a good track record (sic) at Silverstone National.

 

[Sureboss]

Hoping to race this year?

 

[TheCracker]

Hoping to race this year?

Hope. Yes.

It's looking a bit more likely this season. Dads getting the engine builder to try and do something with the top end of the engine that i snapped the crank of at Spa, with the bottom end of the one that we can't get a head to take the bore of the larger pistons. Fingers crossed.

 

[Peterram430]

It's unfortunate to have to lose Abbey and Bridge (although I've never liked the post-98 Priory!).

The National Circuit will pretty much be the same. But I wonder about the International Circuit - will this turn right off Chapel, and go the "wrong" way down the new back-straight, and use the old Farm/Abbey/Priory?

I've found the other circuit layouts on some Lotus site.

http://www.lotus-central.com/index.php/en/news/293-silverstone-new-and-improved-for-2010.html

Silverstone are making a major investment into circuit facilities during this winter which will significantly benefit those who race or attend track days at the UK's premier circuit.

Probably the most important change is the new Arena Grand Prix circuit which has had Bridge removed to make it much safer for both cars and bikes. Run off is being increased and a new spectator arena will be created which will enable motorsport fans to see much more of the action. The old GP circuit will continue to be run for track days but it's expected most GP racing will move to the Arena GP circuit.

Changes also make it possible for the National and Southern circuits to safely operate at the same time, including the extended Stowe circuit. This means that a total of three licensed circuits can be operated at any one time (National, Southern and Stowe).

Silverstone will have a total of 7 (licensed) circuits – Arena GP, Bridge Grand Prix, Historic Grand Prix, Southern, National, extended National and Stowe. The International circuit won't be run in 2010 but will be back in 2011 with a new configuration.

Arena Grand Prix Circuit
Length –3.615 miles/5.89 km
Safer for both cars and bikes with increased run off areas
Designed with both riders, drivers and spectators taken into consideration
Will be FIM and FIA licensed and redefine the focal point of the circuit creating new a spectator arena
Gives spectators closer access to key points of circuit
One of the fastest bike and car circuits in the world

Silverstone 2010 Areana GP Circuit

National Circuit and Extended National

Length of National – 1.6 miles/2.6 km
Length of Extended National – 2 miles/3.257 km
The Woodcote chicane currently used for bikes will be removed
There is an extended National Circuit configuration which can be operated if required- just .2 miles shorter than 2009 International which has an extra loop at Becketts before turning back down the National straight
The increased run offs will result in increased safety allowing the circuit to be faster
Brand new pit wall completed in Jan 2008

Silverstone 2010 National Circuit

Silverstone 2010 Extended National

Southern Circuit/2011 International Circuit
Length – 1.9 mile/3.05 km
Circuit will be known as International Circuit in 2011
New layout designed to offer increased overtaking opportunities whilst fast flowing nature
Increased safety features
Planning in place to add a pit lane in 2010
Track separation allows for the Southern and National to be run at the same time

Silverstone 2010 Southern Circuit/2011 International Circuit

Stowe Circuit
Length 1.2 mile/1.8 km licensed circuit (increased from 0.9 mile)
Dedicated pit garages with viewing terrace on roof
Dedicated Hospitality units with viewing terrace on roof
Includes split breaking area
Three lane irrigated wet handling pad boasting different levels of grip from sheet ice to standard wet tarmac
Works started in November due for completion in March

Silverstone 2010 Stowe Circuit Circuit

 

[Northstar]

The Stowe Circuit looks like Road America.