The British MotoGP hits Silverstone this year for the first time, and the new circuit has just been unveiled by Silverstone Circuits Limited, and its owner the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC). Check out the image / map above and the Press Release below:

Silverstone Launches New Grand Prix Circuit

Silverstone Circuits Limited, and its owner the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), today unveiled and launched the new Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. His Royal Highness the Duke of York, KG, UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, formally cut the ribbon to open a major new section of track that represents the first stage of a multi-million pound investment in the Home of British Motor Racing

As part of the launch ceremony, His Royal Highness helped to inaugurate the new 3.66 mile circuit in the passenger seat of the Santander two-seat Grand Prix car driven by former World Champion, andm President of the BRDC, Damon Hill OBE. On track at the same time were F1 driver-turnedbroadcaster David Coulthard, driving a Red Bull Formula One car, and the motorcycling father-andson combination of Ron and Leon Haslam, representing the worlds of MotoGP and World Superbikes.

The 500 guests at Silverstone to witness the formalities included many luminaries of British motor racing, local dignitaries, motorsport governing bodies, BRDC members and media. The guests were positioned in a grandstand overlooking the new section of track at ‘Village Corner’, where the ceremony took place. After the formal proceedings, a number of guests had the opportunity to be driven around the circuit by the BRDC ‘Superstars’ up-and-coming drivers. Motorcycle media were due the opportunity to take to the track on two wheels, but the fine morning weather that had greeted guests turned to afternoon rain and their session was cancelled.

During the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Duke of York was invited by Damon Hill to become an honorary member of the BRDC and commented: “I am very pleased to accept the honorary membership from the BRDC, but perhaps not qualified to do so. I am here because high performance engineering is a major contributor to the United Kingdom economy and that engineering prowess is regularly on display in the highest level of motor sport that takes place at Silvertsone. I am delighted to be here. The future, I hope, continues to be rosy, not only for Silverstone and motor sport, but for the UK’s high performance engineering sector.”

“This is a very proud day for Silverstone Circuit and the BRDC,” commented Damon Hill. “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. I would also like to thank His Royal Highness the Duke of York for taking the time to visit us today in his role as UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. His presence underlines the scale of the UK motor racing industry and its importance to the economy. 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.”

For Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, today’s launch represents an important stepping stone in the redevelopment of Silverstone. “This new Grand Prix track combined with the redevelopment of Stowe Circuit and facilities, that was also completed this year, are a very exciting part of our overall redevelopment plan,” he said. “Work has already started on a new pit and paddock complex that will be completed in 2011 and we feel we are well on the way to being one of the best motor sport facilities in the world for competitors, organisers and spectators alike. At the same time the redevelopment will help us to diversify our offering in the areas of leisure, education and creating a technological hub for motor sport that will ensure that Silverstone remains a vibrant and healthy business for many years to come.

“2010 is an extremely important year for the circuit with Formula One being re-joined by MotoGP and World Superbikes on our calendar. It is going to be exciting to watch those races played out on this stunning new circuit.”

Silverstone was the 11th round of the 1981 500cc season and Jack Middelburg won the race. The rest of the 1981 500cc season saw Suzuki riders Marco Lucchinelli and Randy Mamola battle it out to the final race of the season with the Italian rider claiming the crown and Mamola finishing runner-up for the second consecutive year. Barry Sheene would win the final race of his career with a win in Sweden while a young American named Freddie Spencer made his first foray into the GP world, riding the four-stroke Honda NR500 up to fifth place at the British Grand Prix before it broke down.

1981 500cc GP at Silverstone: Part 1:

1981 500cc GP at Silverstone: Part 2:

1981 500cc GP at Silverstone: Part 3:

1981 500cc GP at Silverstone: Part 4:

500cc GP Silverstone 1980: Part 1:

500cc GP Silverstone 1980: Part 2:

500cc GP Silverstone 1980: Part 3:

Silverstone Circuits Limited has unveiled provisional plans for a number of striking modifications to the track and spectator viewing areas at the UK’s premier motor racing venue.

The most significant addition to the circuit will be a new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to a spectacular “Arrowhead” at the inside of Becketts. The Arrowhead will then join up with the existing National Straight. Additional sections of track will also be laid at Chapel and Club in anticipation of FIM MotoGP World Championship motorcycle racing at Silverstone.

The announcement follows the recent signing of a five year agreement between Silverstone and Dorna that will see MotoGP racing at the iconic Northamptonshire circuit from 2010. Several alterations are being made to make the circuit more bike-friendly. The alterations have already been extensively discussed with FIM and will be in accordance with their regulations and subject to final homologation. However, the new Arrowhead, and fast section of circuit leading up to it, are designed to be a stunning feature for riders, drivers and spectators alike.

The Arrowhead and its approach will provide a focal point for overtaking and will be surrounded by several new spectator areas. It will also be overlooked by the grandstand at Becketts, providing fans with an opportunity to see two sections of track from the one vantage point.

Both MotoGP and British Superbike riders will also be pleased to see that the plans include the moving of grandstands and safety barriers at Woodcote. This will enable the circuit to build a new run off area at the fast entry to Pit Straight and dispose of the slow chicane, which is currently a necessity for safety purposes.

The new plans form part of a £5 million investment by Silverstone, with work set to be carried out between November 2009 and March 2010. In addition to changes to the track, improvements to spectator viewing facilities will include moving some of the existing grandstands to bring them closer to the track.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, commented, “Silverstone is one of the easiest circuits to get in and out of in the world, we have sizeable hard-standing car parks, and the facilities for teams, media and fans are second to none. We are happy with the infrastructure, but we now have an opportunity to make some exciting changes to the circuit and fundamental improvements to the viewing experience for fans.

“The new Arrowhead on the inside of Becketts will be a major new feature of the circuit. The fast approach and sharp left should provide plenty of opportunities to overtake, making it a real focal point for spectators. The views will be fantastic, especially from the new spectator banking areas and grandstands we will be building around the Arrowhead.

“The viewing experience for fans is hugely important and we now have an opportunity to make sure it is absolutely right, all around the circuit. The new layout will also enable fans to circulate around the venue more easily, to watch all the action from different vantage points. We are making a significant investment but it is absolutely worth it. Early feedback from both riders and drivers has been very positive. The chicane at Woodcote is going and changes to other sections of the circuit should result in increased overtaking opportunities.”

Phillips also confirmed that the planned changes would not mean the end for the current Grand Prix circuit, “This year’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix will take place on the current Grand Prix circuit and that circuit will continue to be available to us for appropriate events. However, the new layout will be more suitable for two- wheeled racing, and will be an exciting circuit for both two and four-wheeled events.”

Silverstone will host the British MotoGP from 2010 for the first time since 1986 – and has announced that it has already sold £50,000 worth of tickets for the 2010 event. Silverstone is also claiming that track modifications will ensure that the circuit will be faster than Philip Island for the MotoGP riders – which would make it the fastest track on the MotoGP 2010 calendar.

Silverstone’s managing director Richard Phillips spoke at a Press Conference today:
“We cannot wait to see MotoGP back at Silverstone. The series is returning to the Home of British Motor Racing for the first time since 1986 and it’s going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone involved – riders, teams and, most importantly, the fans.

“Silverstone is the UK’s premier motor sport venue and we are continuing to develop it into a world class facility for two and four wheeled racing. A further £7 million is being invested before March of next year – more than £5 million of which is being spent on improving the viewing experience for fans, and developing the circuit for MotoGP.

“We’ll have an exciting new circuit; new spectator areas, getting fans closer to the action; and a spectacular line-up of off-track entertainment, including interactive experiences, bike displays and concerts.

“We have an incredible team here at Silverstone, with unrivalled experience of organising world class events, and we’ll be putting on a real show for the fans next year. We are confident of delivering a memorable MotoGP experience, at more affordable prices.”

“In the past Silverstone has been set up more for cars, but now we’re going to cater for bikes as well.”

It was also announced that track modifications will be made in order to make the circuit mush faster for the British MotoGP. The new circuit, which will feature a spectacular new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to a tightening ‘Arrowhead’ hairpin at the inside of Becketts, will measure 5.67 kilometres in length – 0.53 kilometres longer than the existing 5.14 kilometre Grand Prix circuit.

Scientifically measured data, based on mathematical simulations, has calculated that the average lap time for MotoGP riders around the new track would be 1:51.456, racing at an average speed of 182kph (113mph) – 3kph faster than Phillip Island, which is currently the fastest circuit in MotoGP.

The fast and flowing new track, which is subject to final homologation, looks set to be equally quick for four wheeled motor sport. Despite the new circuit being more than half a kilometre longer than the existing Grand Prix circuit, simulated data has shown that lap times for a current Formula 1 car would only be fractionally slower. A simulated lap of the new circuit would take 1:27.761 in an F1 car, at an average speed of 228kph (142mph).

*Summary of data showing circuit length, lap times and speeds around the new track at Silverstone:

• New track length = 5.67km (existing Grand Prix circuit = 5.14km)
• Track width = 15m
• Simulation for F1 lap time = 1:27.761, average speed 228kph (142mph)
• Simulation data extrapolated for MotoGP = lap time 1:51.456, average speed 182kph (113mph)
• MotoGP speed is 3kph faster than Phillip Island, currently the fastest circuit on the MotoGP calendar

Dorna have announced that Silverstone will host the British round of MotoGP in 2010 – assuming that there are still teams running in MotoGP and that the credit crunch hasn’t caused other to go the same way as Kawasaki.

Silverstone who lost Formula1 to Donnington Park have signed a deal that will see them host MotoGP for 5 years from 2010. Silverstone last hosted the British motorcycle grand prix from 1977 to 1986.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, the head of Dorna Sports who hasn’t had a lot of positive press announcements to make of late said:

“We are delighted that the MotoGP World Championship is returning to Silverstone as of 2010. The venue has excellent facilities and a circuit with a great heritage, having hosted some superb Grand Prix racing in the 1970s and 1980s. We are sure that MotoGP´s visits to the UK will continue to be highly successful when we make the historic move back to Silverstone next year.”

Richard Phillips (the MD of Silverstone) said:

“Silverstone is the UK´s premier motor racing venue and we are thoroughly looking forward to hosting the world´s premier motorcycle racing event from 2010. We have worked closely with Dorna Sports to bring MotoGP to Silverstone and both parties are extremely excited about the opportunity to take this world-class event to another level.”

“Silverstone is a unique UK race circuit; rich in heritage and unrivalled in terms of what we are able to offer fans, championships and teams. The Grand Prix circuit offers a combination of high speed straights and technical corners, presenting a real challenge to the riders, while the facilities for teams and spectators are second to none.”

“The circuit is also recognised as being one of the most easily accessible in the world. All of these factors, along with Silverstone´s vast experience of hosting world class international events, contributed to MotoGP coming to Silverstone.”