Silverstone Circuits Limited is pleased to confirm that, following approval from Formula One Management (FOM), the 2010 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (9-11 July) will be staged on Silverstone’s new Arena Grand Prix Circuit.

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)