Silverstone Circuit Redevelopment

In late 2008 Populous was asked by Silverstone to investigate what would be required to get a circuit license to host MotoGP and revitalise the circuit. The existing Grand Prix circuit did not meet current FIM safety guidelines at ‘Bridge’ corner, so the circuit was re-profiled with a brand new section. This also created the opportunity to reinvent Silverstone and release valuable land from within the 460 acre-circuit fence line. The new section of circuit takes a new direction towards the infield at Abbey. The new Abbey corner is a 185mph 4.5g challenge which is met some 90m later by a flat out left hand corner at Farm. Within 175m at a speed of little under 200mph you arrive at the tight right hand corner, ‘Village’, which has proved to be a significant new overtaking opportunity on 4 wheels. In order to encourage a re-take of position, another slow left hand corner, ‘The Loop’, comes only 100m after ‘Village’. Depending on the line taken and the amount of traction gained, ‘The Loop’ will determine how much speed is carried through ‘Aintree’ onto the ‘Wellington Straight’ and whether you are either creating an overtaking opportunity or open to being overtaken into the late apex at ‘Brooklands’ where the circuit rejoins the existing F1 circuit. Despite the impetus behind the circuit re-alignment coming from a necessity to host MotoGP, it was important that the layout would be suitable for Formula 1. This presented an exciting challenge to the design team. Historically Formula 1 circuits that share the track with MotoGP require alternative link sections for the inherent difference between 2 wheel racing and 4 wheel racing. The brief from Silverstone however, was to design a new section that presented new challenges for both forms of racing whilst maintaining the character and essence of old. Our team used pioneering software developed in-house that allowed them to simulate multiple circuit solutions and test variable run-offs and profiles. By combining that with our experience of creating great sporting venues we’ve not only future-proofed the home of British motorsport for many years to come but, with the additional 678m of asphalt, it can now boast being the one of the longest and quickest circuit on the MotoGP & GP calendar. 4000 capacity 380 m long 41 garages covering 6200 m2 273 rooms and spaces within the building, including changing rooms and toilets 2780 m2 media centre 35 commentary spaces 120 seater auditorium 8200 m2 of hospitality and spectator spaces 10,800 architect hours spent designing the project STRUCTURE 1200 tonnes of errected steel 28800 connection bolts 308 columns 3450 m3 of concrete used (equivalent to 575 lorry loads) 8000 tonnes of asphalt laid ROOF 202 raft ers 9700 m2 of roof span 30 m to the highest point of the building EVENTS 11 events to be hosted within its fi rst 4 months, including; 2011 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix 2011 Air Aisia British Grand Prix (MotoGP) FIA GT1 World Championship FIM Superbike World Championship Le Mans Series & Intercontinental Le Mans Cup MCE British Superbike Championship British F3/GT Championships Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Britcar 24 Hours Walter Hayes Trophy INTERESTING FACTS Th e 42,450 linear metres of steel used in the building would wrap 7.2 times around the new Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.