This weekend sees Formula One cars take to the new Silverstone track for the British Grand Prix. The new track layout is now a total of 3.66 miles long with the 761 metres added. The new track design and the new F1 facilities have been designed by London-based architects Populous.

Populous is famous for designing iconic stadia and venues around the world including the Soccer City Stadium for the 2012 World Cup in Johannesburg, the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, the Centre Court roof at Wimbledon, the Sochi Stadium in Russia and the Yankee Stadium in New York.

John Barrow, Senior Principal of Populous said: "It was wonderful to be part of the project to update this famous circuit and we are excited to be taking our relationship with Silverstone further through the development of the new pit lane and paddock area which is to be completed next year. Silverstone was the first circuit to host a Formula 1 race in 1948, so it was a privilege to be involved with this improvement programme that ensures the legacy of the track for generations to come. Silverstone has always been at the heart of motor racing, not just in Britain but around the world, and it will be thrilling to see how the drivers take to the new circuit."

Extended by 761 metres, it will take, on average, an F1 car 4 seconds longer to get around the track, with projected top speeds of 188 mph / 302 kph and an average speed of 157 mph / 252 kph. The current lap record, before the F1 cars take to the track, is held by F3 Driver James Calado.

The circuit has six newly named sections, 'Abbey Corner' - previously Abbey Curve, 'Farm Curve' - the left-hander after Abbey Corner, 'Village Corner' - the right-hander after Farm Curve and named after Silverstone Village. 'The Loop' - the long left hand corner referred to as 'The Loop', 'Aintree Corner' - named after the circuit where the British Grand Prix took place in 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961 and 1962 and "Wellington Straight" - previously National Straight.

Key facts and figures for the new track layout at Silverstone:

• The circuit has increased by 761 metres – from 3.194 miles to 3.66 miles
• 2,700 cubic metres of concrete have been used
• 31,000 square metres of tarmac have been used on the new sections of the circuit
• It took 108,000 man hours, between November 2009 and March 2010 to complete the new circuit

 

For further information please contact
Patricia Fernandez at Populous (London)
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8874 7666
Facsimile: +44 (0)20 8874 7470
 
Email media@populous.com

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