The new Silverstone F1 Circuit was revealed this week
Silverestone and the BRDC officially launched the new Silverstone F1 Grand Prix Circuit this week ahead of the British Grand Prix in July
Bernie will be pleased
It’s been a bit of a saga for Silverstone and the BRDC of late, with a backwards and forwards ‘will-they, won’t-they’ get to host the British Grand Prix going forward. Bernie Ecclestone finally announced that Silverstone would host the 2010 British Grand Prix back in December – although it could be argued only by default after Donnington went belly-up – and the circuit upgrades are nicely in time for the 2010 British Grand Prix in July.
Prince Andrew did the official opening on Thursday and got the chance to lap the track in a 2-seater F1 car with Damon Hill at the wheel and former F1 driver – and now BBC pundit – David Coulthard also on track in a Red Bull.
The new track changes the layout and adds a new section of track at ‘Village Corner’ – which is where the opening ceremony took place – and we lose some famous bits of Silverstone to history such as Bridge and Priory.
Damon, who is also president of the BRDC, said of the new Silverstone track:
“This is a very proud day for Silverstone Circuit and the BRDC. The new section of track and improvements made elsewhere to the circuit are fantastic. These changes provide not only a stunning new driving challenge but will also lead to an enhanced spectator experience and provide great flexibility in terms of the different layouts that we can now use.
“Thanks and praise for the impressively quick construction work must go to the Silverstone management, led by Neil England and Richard Phillips, and the whole team involved.
Silverstone is a cornerstone of the success of the industry and the BRDC will continue to develop the circuit to ensure that Britain has a world class home for motor sport and related technology.”
Which they will have to do if they’re going to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Or even have a British Grand Prix at all. I’m sure the 17 year contract Silverstone has to host the British Grand Prix will have get-out-of-jail-free- clauses if they don’t continue to jump through Bernie’s hoops.Business is business.
But it is good to see F1 at Silverstone. It’s where it belongs.
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