Silverstone unveils vision of new pits

The Northamptonshire track has big ambitions for a revamp of its facilities, which it hopes will help secure the future of the British Grand Prix.

Part of the plan includes moving the location of the track's pit and paddock complex from between Woodcote and Copse corners, to between Club and Abbey. The move will also entail a reconfiguration of the circuit layout.

The redevelopment plan, known as the Joint Silverstone Development Brief, has been referred to a full local council meeting for approval.

Damon Hill, President of Silverstone's owners the British Racing Drivers' Club, said the circuit needed the approval for the redevelopment if it was to have any chance of holding on to the British GP.

"Silverstone is a great track with a great history," he said. "These images are the vision of the future for Silverstone, and one we fervently hope will be realised, in order to provide a venue where all forms of motor sport can be celebrated in style, for the benefit of the competitor and spectator alike.

"This new facility, and the redevelopment at large, will help attract more business to Northamptonshire and create more jobs for local communities. The British Grand Prix alone contributes over £30 million a year to the local area and it is vital that we do everything we can to maintain this income as well as the UK's world class expertise in high tech engineering and R&D.

"Also, it should go without saying by now, that in order to retain the British Grand Prix we need a venue of this kind of stature, and the grand prix is a key element in the whole project."

The pit and paddock complex redevelopment is just the first part of what Silverstone hopes is a 10-year programme that will result in a new manufacturer test centre, business park, leisure complex, hotels and new houses being built.

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone, said: "Our intention is to transform Silverstone into a world leading centre for education, business, leisure and technology.

"This will ensure Silverstone becomes a showcase for British motorsport, rivalling other great sporting venues like Wembley, Wimbledon and Twickenham."