Working with renowned track architect Hermann Tilke, organisers Full Throttle Productions LP have drawn inspiration from the best circuits around the world, as well as taking advantage of the site’s natural topography to include some dramatic elevation changes.

Turns 3 through 6 look not dissimilar to Silverstone’s high-speed Maggotts/Becketts; Turns 12 through 15 give a nod to Hockenheim’s stadium section; and Turns 16 through 18 will mirror the infamous, multi-apex Turn 8 at Istanbul Park.

“The area has natural elevation differences, which promises a fast track with difficult corners,” Hellmund told Formula1.com recently. “But the most essential thing is that has to be a masterpiece in its suitability for fans. Spectators have to be able to see large parts of the track from wherever they are.”

The 3.4 mile (5.47 kilometre) circuit features 20 turns and a total elevation change of 133 feet (40.5 metres), including a steep, uphill run into the hairpin Turn 1, which is expected to become the venue’s signature corner. In common with just three other current F1 venues – Istanbul Park, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit and Interlagos in Brazil – it will run in an anticlockwise direction.

For more information, visit www.formula1unitedstates.com.

Computer generated image of how Silverstone’s new Arena Grand Prix circuit will look for the 2010 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix (image also features the new Pit and Paddock Complex, planned for 2011)

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 – which remains and will be used for future events, including historic races – the drivers will now turn right at Abbey onto a dramatic new section of track.

Turning right at Abbey corner, Button, Hamilton, Schumacher and co. will now 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’.

Silverstone has invested more than £5 million on this new, super fast circuit, with work scheduled for completion in March, 2010. Away from the track, the Northamptonshire venue is making a number of improvements to its spectator viewing areas. In addition to constructing elevated viewing banks, existing grandstands and fence lines are being moved to bring fans closer to the on-track action.

The new track design retains the essence of Silverstone – a fast and flowing, yet technically challenging circuit that the drivers love. Scientific data, based on mathematical simulations and interpolations provided by Populous, the world’s leading sports architecture firm who have consulted with drivers and riders to design the new circuit, has calculated that Silverstone will continue to be one of the quickest circuits on the F1 calendar. Despite the circuit length being increased by 760m, lap times for an F1 car will only be increased by four seconds.

Key circuit facts:
Additional track length – 760m
Arena Grand Prix Circuit length – 5,900km/3.666 miles (from 5,140km / 3.194 miles)
Projected F1 Lap Time – 1:23.13
Projected F1 Average Speed – 252kph/157mph
Projected F1 Maximum Speed – 302kph / 188mph
Turns – 18 (R10/L8)

The event will now use the 3.9 mile endurance circuit, which incorporates an extra six turns as well as the majority of the configuration used in recent years.

“The loop was completed in 2006 as part of the built-in evolution of the venue for competitors and fans,” said Alzayani. “We gave it its debut with the inaugural 24 Hour Race of Bahrain that same year where it proved extremely successful, and with the changes to the regulations, the teams and the driver line-ups in Formula One this year it is the perfect time to evolve the circuit with this new challenge and new overtaking opportunities.”

Check the new layout, I hope that this really helps overtaking.