Silverstone has unveiled the provisional circuit layout for the British round of the MotoGP World Championship, which it will host from 2010. The most significant addition to the present layout will be a new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to an 'Arrowhead' section at the inside of Becketts. The Arrowhead will then join up with the existing National Straight before entry into the final complex, therefore missing out the present Bridge corner. The Arrowhead and its approach should provide an excellent chance 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 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 unpopular slow chicane seen in WSBK and BSB, currently a necessity for safety purposes. As part of the 'bike-friendly' efforts, additional sections of track will also be laid at Chapel and Club. 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. “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,” said Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited. “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.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Silverstone reveals new MotoGP layout
Silverstone has unveiled the provisional circuit layout for the British round of the MotoGP World Championship, which it will host from 2010. The most significant addition to the present layout will be a new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to an 'Arrowhead' section at the inside of Becketts. The Arrowhead will then join up with the existing National Straight before entry into the final complex, therefore missing out the present Bridge corner. The Arrowhead and its approach should provide an excellent chance 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 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 unpopular slow chicane seen in WSBK and BSB, currently a necessity for safety purposes. As part of the 'bike-friendly' efforts, additional sections of track will also be laid at Chapel and Club. 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. “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,” said Richard Phillips, managing director of Silverstone Circuits Limited. “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.
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MotoGP cost cutting rules announcedThe first steps in reducing the costs of competing in the MotoGP World Championship have been officially announced by the Grand Prix Commission, following a meeting at the FIM headquarters at Geneva on Wednesday. Made in response to the global financial crises and Kawasaki's factory withdraw, which has potentially reduced the 2009 MotoGP field to just four manufacturers and 17 riders, the six rule changes include the expected reduction in track and test time - plus a limit on engine changes - but also ban launch control, electronic suspension and ceramic composite materials for brake discs or pads. With the new racing season starting on April 12 and the 2009 machinery already built (click here for an insight into the aims and time constraints surrounding the new regulations) reducing running costs, recently described as 'huge' by LCR boss Lucio Cecchinello, was one area that could be most easily influenced. Maintenance and running costs will be lowered by cutting track time during a grand prix weekend, limiting post-race tests and extending engine life (during the second half of the season). GP track time will be reduced by cancelling the Friday morning free practice session (for all three classes) and reducing the three remaining MotoGP practice sessions - including qualifying - from one hour to 45 minutes. Warm-up time and race distance are unchanged. Post race testing will be allowed on just two occasions, after Catalunya (June 14) and Czech GP (August 16) and even then “test riders only are permitted.” Engine life will be extended by limiting each rider to five engines for the final eight rounds of 2009. “No changing of parts will be permitted except daily maintenance”, although no penalties for breaking the rule were announced.
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