FIA Approves Brands Changes

The Indy circuit had been granted the licence when it hosted Champ Cars in 2003.

However, work was required to bring the Grand Prix loop, which last hosted a Formula One event in 1986, up to scratch.

The licence allows any formula other than Formula One to run on the 2.6-mile Grand Prix circuit. FIA circuit inspector Roland Bruynseraede approved the raft of upgrades.

The main part of the work involved increasing safety at Westfield corner.

This has been achieved partly by realigning the double apex corner so that the first bend is slower and later than the original, leaving the second more of a flat-out kink than a corner.

A further big change is a huge 45m increase in run off area in the head-on aspect.  A new gravel trap has been installed and all remnants of the old original Westfield removed for safety and neatness.

At Hawthorns corner the effectiveness of the gravel trap has been much improved by a major earthworks project involving the importation of 5,000 tons of material to raise the outside of the gravel trap by a full two metres, tapering down to the track edge.

Further improvements were also made to the Indy circuit last winter, including the extending of run-off areas on the exit of Druids hairpin and Graham Hill Bend.

MotorSport Vision chief executive Jonathan Palmer said: "I'm delighted that we have been successful in obtaining the Grade 2 licence for our GP circuit.  I was determined that this glorious track should not be left to fade like so many others, but instead progress and update so Brands Hatch can host some of the most prestigious motor racing events in the world."

"It is a renowned drivers' circuit, providing enormous challenge and satisfaction, and MSV considers the substantial investment involved well worthwhile to preserve Brands Hatch's Grand Prix circuit's heritage of hosting some of Britain's most famous events."