Silverstone’s new Arena layout is set to be completed on schedule by the end of this month, British Grand Prix organisers said on Tuesday.
The £5 million revamp will add 760m to the historic Northamptonshire track through an infield detour from Abbey towards Becketts and back to the Brooklands complex via the National circuit straight.
The changes – originally conceived for MotoGP – are designed to improve safety, spectator viewing and overtaking opportunities.
“Work on the circuit and venue is on schedule,” said Silverstone’s managing director Richard Phillips.
“The team has been working around the clock, through some pretty terrible weather conditions, to make sure the circuit is ready on time.
“The track works at Brooklands and Woodcote are now complete, including the new run-off area for the fast entry into Pits Straight, while the major new development – the new section of circuit from Abbey, up to the Arena Complex and round to the National Straight – is also coming along nicely.
“There is still a considerable amount of work going on at Silverstone, including the new elevated banks and spectator viewing areas, which will continue beyond March.
“Conference and hospitality buildings are also being built on the new Stowe Complex.”
Formula 1 will use the Arena layout from this year’s British Grand Prix on 11 July, but the new configuration will be christened by the FIA GT championship at the start of May.