Silverstone confirms new Formula One layout

Silverstone has confirmed that this year’s British Grand Prix will take place on the MotoGP inspired ‘Arena’ layout this year and beyond.

The majority of Silverstone’s iconic straights and high-speed corners are retained in the Arena Grand Prix Circuit. The only significant change is from Abbey corner where, instead of heading into Farm Straight, Bridge and Priory on the traditional Grand Prix circuit the drivers will now turn right at Abbey onto a new section of track.

Turning right at Abbey corner, the drivers will race back up towards Becketts and into the new ’Arena Complex’, which has been designed with a view to creating three new overtaking opportunities. The circuit then links up with the National Straight before re-joining the original Grand Prix circuit at Brooklands.

“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," explained Silverstone MD Richard Phillips.

"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.”

Silverstone has invested more than £5 million on this new circuit with work scheduled for completion in March.

A bigger image is available here.