Silverstone reveals new MotoGP layout

The circuit - which is losing the Formula One British Grand Prix to Donington Park from next year - announced last month that it had won the right to host motorcycle racing's premier championship instead, taking the MotoGP event from Donington.

As part of a £5 million revamp package, the Silverstone MotoGP track will leave the F1 layout at the Abbey chicane and travel up the International circuit towards Becketts, where it will join the National circuit via a tight left-hander to be known as the Arrowhead. New spectator areas will also be constructed around the section, which will be clearly visible from the Becketts grandstands.

There will also be changes to other spectator banks and grandstands to bring them closer to the circuit, while the chicane at Woodcote normally used by motorcycle events will be removed as part of alterations to the run-off at this point.

New pieces of track are also being created at Chapel and Club for MotoGP use.

The circuit's managing director Richard Phillips believes the changes will address any concerns that MotoGP had about the move to Silverstone.

"The new Arrowhead on the inside of Becketts will be a major new feature of the circuit," he said. "The fast approach and sharp left should provide plenty of opportunities to overtake, making it a real focal point for spectators.

"The views will be fantastic, especially from the new spectator banking areas and grandstands we will be building around the Arrowhead.

"The viewing experience for fans is hugely important and we now have an opportunity to make sure it is absolutely right, all around the circuit. The new layout will also enable fans to circulate around the venue more easily, to watch all the action from different vantage points.

"We are making a significant investment but it is absolutely worth it. Early feedback from both riders and drivers has been very positive. The chicane at Woodcote is going and changes to other sections of the circuit should result in increased overtaking opportunities."

The current F1 GP track will not be affected by the changes, so will remain available for other events.