• British GP

Silverstone hoping to run grand prix on new layout

The new 'Arena' layout at Silverstone that could stage the race in 2010 © Silverstone

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Silverstone is looking to hold the British Grand Prix on a new circuit layout in 2010 after securing the rights to hold the race until 2026.

A new £40 million 'Arena' section is currently under construction to host the 2010 MotoGP race and the circuit organisers are hoping to use it for its Formula One race as well. The new part of track will turn infield at Abbey, creating a new loop that merges into the National circuit and eventually rejoins the existing layout at Brooklands. The new track is set to be completed in March and Silverstone's managing director Richard Phillips insists it will offer a much better viewing experience for fans.

"There is an awful lot going on," said Phillips at a press conference in London. "The FIA have been to see it, and it is being submitted for homologation. We are hopeful that we will be using the new 'Arena' circuit next summer. But we have still got the original circuit as well, so if we cannot get it to the right stage in time then we will be running on the current GP circuit."

"I would love to run the Arena circuit because I think it will be incredible. It is keeping the best of the original circuit, but it is much safer because of the changes we are making for the bikes."

British Racing Drivers' Club president Damon Hill confirmed that the circuit would also be pressing ahead with plans to build a new pit and paddock complex. Phillips added that this would allow further improvements to spectator facilities and bump-up the circuit's overall capacity.

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