Silverstone Presents Arena Layout for 2010 British GP

Silverstone is ready to debut their new Arena layout for the 2010 edition of the British Grand Prix, as confirmed by the circuit officials yesterday evening. The 760-metre “Arena” loop cost the Silverstone circuit around 5 million pounds sterling and will also host the 2010 British Grand Prix in the MotoGP championship.

As reported by the GMM news agency, the modifications include a bowl-style arena in the infield, located to the right of the current Maggots/Becketts/Chapel complex. Additionally, the new layout turns right after the straight line leading into the Club corner, while also missing the Priory left-hander. It then reconnects with the existing layout for the tight Luffield curve before the run to the start-finish.

The construction of the Arena layout is yet to be completed, but that will happen – as predicted before the work began – in March. Only when the builders will have completed the work on the new layout, Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management (FOM) will be asked to give their approval over the modifications.

“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,” said managing director Richard Phillips.

“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,” added Phillips, who also confirmed that the new changes will bring up to 20,000 more spectators for the 2010 British Grand Prix.