Silverstone unveils new 'wing' complex

Silverstone bosses on Tuesday unveiled the circuit's new 'wing' complex that leading figures believe helps secure the venue's long-term future.

The new pit and paddock complex comprises a 16,500 square-metre building, which is 30 per cent larger than its predecessor, and that is part of the new start-line area at the British track.

The 'wing' facility, which is still unfinished, cost £27 million and the official opening event was attended by several motorsport figures.

BRDC president Damon Hill believes the new complex puts Silverstone at the forefront of the world and secures the future of the Formula 1 grand prix there.

"It is very important for everyone we managed to do this," said Hill. "There was a threat of the grand prix going somewhere else. Other places were putting up palaces, but now we have kept Silverstone at the forefront of the world."

Former world champion Nigel Mansell praised the work of the BRDC to build the facility.

"Silverstone for me is the best circuit in the world by miles. The crowd gets behind any British driver, and it is truly fantastic racing here.

"What the BRDC and board has done, they have done a fantastic job. Congratulations everyone at the BRDC."

Former grand prix driver Martin Brundle added: "I'm so excited by this. This is the result of a lot of effort from BRDC and BRDC board. The place looks great, it is a landmark building. It is the centre of the universe for motor racing."

Multiple MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi also attended the event and was hoping to jump onto the track today after missing last year's event.

"I'm very excited," said the Italian. "Last year I was at home injured, so I came here to see the track to make some laps.It is a great track, very technical and fast. It is always great to come to track where there have been great battles."

Mercedes GP team boss Ross Brawn added: "I think the history of Silverstone cannot be manufactured - there are iconic things in F1 like Ferrari and Silverstone that cannot be manufactured. We had to preserve that, so the BRDC doing that is a great achievement."