F1 at Donington
Formula 1 heads to Donington Park as the revamped circuit is revealed
Donington Park has been showing off its new Formula 1 circuit. While the real thing won’t be ready until next year, shortly before the British grand prix is held there, Donington CEO Simon Gillett revealed the revamp on a F1 car-based simulator.
The track will be widened and lengthened and overtaking opportunities are firmly on the agenda. From Melbourne Corner the track is restructured, taking part of the current 4x4 course to create an additional loop incorporating a sharp left and a near 90-degree right turn. The track then heads back to the current circuit via a 12 per cent slope, the highest climb in Formula 1, trumping Spa’s Eau Rouge.
It is designed to be a tricky and challenging track for drivers and their car’s components, which combined with new F1 car technology, should inject new excitement into the sport.
Gillett, in charge of the 15-month and £100m redevelopment, is highly confident everything will be tip-top in time for the FIA inspection in April 2010. He was first to take the reins on the simulator, which is set to be open for public use at the Donington museum.
‘Seeing it all come to life is fantastic’, he said. He was quick to play down criticism he and the project are facing, and talk that money is running short. Gillett says his only response to any sceptics will be the successful completion of the new F1 circuit. ‘We are just going to get our heads down, keep building and keep delivering.’
He also claims the plans centre very much around the spectators, with the handful of men on the track second place behind the thousands of people in the stands. Views across the new section are said to be brilliant, with much of the track visible, while plans are being made to create the first public transport-only GP. Park and ride and park and walk systems as well as camping weekends are intended to cut traffic flow and make the venue access-friendly. A two-hour London to Grandstand time is touted.
Plans and development are still ongoing, but in the meantime you can get a feel for the revamped track with a video from the simulator, which visitors to Donington Park can also have a go at to get a feel for the circuit. Click the link below to view how the changed circuit will look.
