I've just seen this BBC article about a new layout for Silverstone. I had no idea they were changing the layout for this year. Next year will see a new paddock and pit lane complex as well.

BBC

About time if you ask me. Silverstone has been lacking in investment for far too long now, and with the failed attempts to turn Donington into a F1 track it was important for Silverstone to do something.

New circuit layout

 

As I understand it (and I await corrective comments ), the changes were made to the layout to make the track more bike racing friendly, and thus accomodate the MotoGP races, that had been secured to replace F1. The new layout was designed by former bike racers, such as Jerremy McWilliams, and has been well recieved by all those who have ridden it.

I'm keen to see how it translates into car racing, and especially the Grand Prix. I'm also keen to read the reviews of the MotoGP race, as I said I'd never go to Donington again, after experiencing the post race organisation (sic). If Silverstone's a winner, I'll be going every year

 

It's a shame they got rid of Bridge, surely one of the best bits.

As PaulF said, I think this was part of them getting MotoGP off Donington, rather than for F1. And of the "new" bits, the National straight was there before, and there was some track between there and Abbey as part of alternate circuits (you'd always see the Touring Cars on that straight). So I'm not so sure why the £5m.

No doubt some will say they've spent money on the circuit which should have been spent on the facilities.

I think you'll find the organisation and access at Silverstone is miles better than Donington. Donington's plan to bus in 100,000 F1 fans never seemed very credible.

 

Over the years of visiting Donington I have to agree with you guys about the total lack of organisation. They had no clue how to deal with such a large number of people on race day, and it was frustrating and embarassing that they couldn't organise something as simple as getting people out of the circuit in a timely manner

 

Dembo, I think the £5 Mil has been spent on the Arena complex, including viewing areas (think Hockenheim), to bring the spectacle of MotoGP closer to the fans, and I supose, to in some, way compensate for losing one of the best spetator cicuits on the calendar.

 

Silverstone had the reputation of being the fastest track on the F1 circuit. With these changes, will it lose the mantle to another track?
Will Ireland become as famous as Maggots and Stowe?

 

Unlike Silverstone where they only have problems if it rains. A bit. In Britain.

It seems like backbiting between two tracks has cost them both dear.
Silverstone clearly needed a lot of work (and a gradient or two) so Ecclestone does his patented play one off against the other, Donington over commit, Silverstone do the work they should have done two years ago.

BRDC keep their home, albeit at a cost and we lose Donington.

Typical British solidarity there.