UPDATE - SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT DEVELOPMENT

Photo: Start/Finish line: gantry removed, Pits Straight grandstands removed, work on new run-off for motorcycle racing.

Work on the new Arena Grand Prix circuit and improved spectator viewing facilities is well underway at Silverstone. The Northamptonshire circuit has got off to a flying start in its efforts to complete dramatic updates to both the circuit and venue.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, has confirmed that work on the new circuit – which will host a number of world class events in 2010, including MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycle racing – is on schedule and due for completion in early March. He also confirmed that discussions are on-going with Formula One Management (FOM), regarding the possibility of hosting the 2010 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX on the new circuit.

Facts and stats relating to the work being carried at Silverstone

- 180,000 tonnes of earth has already been moved around the circuit, of which 50,000 tonnes has been used (to date) to elevate banks and improve spectator viewing areas. All of the earth is being reused, so nothing has been taken off-site

- 8,000 tonnes of tarmac has been laid (to date)

- 60 tonnes of hardcore and 500 cubic metres of concrete has been used (to date)

- 6,000 metres of armco has been erected

- 2,500 metres of FIA and FIM approved kerbs are being laid

- 230 people are constantly on site, working specifically on the development