Silverstone are making a major investment into circuit facilities during this winter which will significantly benefit those who race or attend track days at the UK's premier circuit.

Probably the most important change is the new Arena Grand Prix circuit which has had Bridge removed to make it much safer for both cars and bikes. Run off is being increased and a new spectator arena will be created which will enable motorsport fans to see much more of the action. The old GP circuit will continue to be run for track days but it's expected most GP racing will move to the Arena GP circuit.

Changes also make it possible for the National and Southern circuits to safely operate at the same time, including the extended Stowe circuit. This means that a total of three licensed circuits can be operated at any one time (National, Southern and Stowe).

Silverstone will have a total of 7 (licensed) circuits – Arena GP, Bridge Grand Prix, Historic Grand Prix, Southern, National, extended National and Stowe. The International circuit won't be run in 2010 but will be back in 2011 with a new configuration.

Arena Grand Prix Circuit
Length –3.615 miles/5.89 km
Safer for both cars and bikes with increased run off areas
Designed with both riders, drivers and spectators taken into consideration
Will be FIM and FIA licensed and redefine the focal point of the circuit creating new a spectator arena
Gives spectators closer access to key points of circuit
One of the fastest bike and car circuits in the world

Length of National – 1.6 miles/2.6 km
Length of Extended National – 2 miles/3.257 km
The Woodcote chicane currently used for bikes will be removed
There is an extended National Circuit configuration which can be operated if required- just .2 miles shorter than 2009 International which has an extra loop at Becketts before turning back down the National straight
The increased run offs will result in increased safety allowing the circuit to be faster
Brand new pit wall completed in Jan 2008

Southern Circuit/2011 International Circuit
Length – 1.9 mile/3.05 km
Circuit will be known as International Circuit in 2011
New layout designed to offer increased overtaking opportunities whilst fast flowing nature
Increased safety features
Planning in place to add a pit lane in 2010
Track separation allows for the Southern and National to be run at the same time

Stowe Circuit
Length 1.2 mile/1.8 km licensed circuit (increased from 0.9 mile)
Dedicated pit garages with viewing terrace on roof
Dedicated Hospitality units with viewing terrace on roof
Includes split breaking area
Three lane irrigated wet handling pad boasting different levels of grip from sheet ice to standard wet tarmac
Works started in November due for completion in March

The Lotus on Track Elise Trophy is expected to visit Silverstone on two occasions in 2010 with meetings on two different circuit configurations including the all new Arena GP circuit.

Europe's largest track day club, Lotus on Track expect to increase the number of events they hold at Silverstone in 2010 after visiting the home of British motorsport half a dozen times in 2009. Events will be held on the all new Stowe circuit as well as a number of days on the GP configuration.

Lotus on Track Elise Trophy - www.elisetrophy.com

Lotus on Track - track day club - www.lotus-on-track.com