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. ITV
The re-design, incorporating new sections named Village corner, The Loop, Wellington Straight and Aintree, will this year play host to what has been described as the triple crown in F1, Moto GP and World Superbikes.
Silverstone has effectively been re-born in the wake of earning a new 10-year contract to host the British Grand Prix, with the possibility of a seven-year extension, following Donington Park’s demise.
The unveiling ceremony also saw the Bishop of Brixworth, Rt Rev Frank White, conduct a blessing, followed by Prince Andrew cutting a ribbon, whilst at the same time David Coulthard, Mark Webber, Ron and Leon Haslam sprayed champagne. The Press Association
Hill, also president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club which owns the track, told assembled guests including Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, Sir Jackie Stewart and Mercedes CEO Nick Fry that it was “a very important day for Silverstone, but also UK motorsport.
He said: “Richard Phillips (Silverstone managing director) and his team have done a fantastic job under extremely difficult circumstances, not only acquiring the grand prix, but also bringing Moto GP and World Superbikes here.
“A word of thanks also must go to Neil England (the non-executive chairman of Silverstone Holdings) for beating down Mr (Bernie) Ecclestone as much as he could to get the very best deal for 10 years.”
Silverstone has agreed a 17-year contract with Ecclestone to host the race, the deal having an escape clause after 10 years should they struggle to meet their financial commitments.
In agreeing new terms and undertaking the development, Hill admitted the BRDC and Silverstone are “stretching things much further than they’ve been stretched before” and said they were to an extent relying on successors to Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton coming through the ranks.
“There was an understandable reluctance to take on too much risk, but event promotion and venue operating is a risk business,” he added. SkySports
“It’s a necessary risk. The alternative was that the British Grand Prix would have gone off the calendar,” admitted Hill.
“There is a justification to demand first-class facilities if you have a first-class event like Formula One, and others like MotoGP, but it has to make financial sense.
“We are relying a little on this country’s tradition of producing world-class drivers who potentially drive people through the gate.” CNN International
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