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Snetterton set for huge revamp

Snetterton is to undergo a major revamp before the start of the 2011 season, with a new infield loop lengthening the Norfolk circuit and making it suitable for international racing

Snetterton is to undergo a major revamp before the start of the 2011 season, with a new infield loop lengthening the Norfolk circuit and making it suitable for international racing.

The new 2.99-mile 'Snetterton 300' configuration sees a new hairpin replacing the present Sear corner, leading into an infield section that eventually returns to the back straight. Coram and Russell will also be totally reprofiled, and shorter '200' and '100' layouts will be available.

Jonathan Palmer, head of circuit owner MotorSport Vision, intends the changes to transform Snetterton into one of Britain's leading racetracks.

"With Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Cadwell Park we have three outstanding circuits with immense driver/rider appeal," said Palmer, who took personal charge of designing the new layouts.

"Snetterton has its own character and great features of long straights and superb high speed corners but overall has lagged behind the other MSV circuits in terms of driver/rider appeal and spectator entertainment.

"Now that will all change and many will regard Snetterton as being the best circuit in the country for these crucial elements.

"Circuit layout is something I am passionate about and I have enjoyed designing the new Snetterton circuits. It was important to combine the best features of old Snetterton with the elimination of its weaknesses and the addition of a major new section to expand it and make it a real competitors' and spectators' favourite.

"I wanted every corner to either be a really exciting driver/rider challenge, or produce a good overtaking opportunity."

The new circuit is being designed with an FIA Grade 2 licence in mind, which will allow Snetterton to host everything below Formula 1. Palmer said the Le Mans series, World GT1 and DTM were all targets.

"I'd like to see DTM there," he told this week's AUTOSPORT magazine. "I think it'd be fantastic as it would give them a chance to stretch their legs and it could provide overtaking."

For more details of Snetterton's transformation - including leading drivers' views on the new circuit - read this week's AUTOSPORT magazine, available in digital form here.

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