The Maggotts, Becketts, and Chapel corners were reconfigured into a fast and complex left-right-left-right-left sequence, making this section one of the most demanding on the calendar.
The radius of the Copse corner was increased to alter its approach and exit speeds.
The Vale complex was introduced between Stowe and Club corners to create a new overtaking opportunity and slow the approach to Club.
A new infield section was added after Abbey, replacing the old Farm Straight and Bridge chicane.
The revisions took the circuit length from 4.778km to 5.226km and transformed it from a high-speed layout into a much more technical and challenging track.
Incremental changes
After the 1991 overhaul, many smaller changes were made over the following decade.
Silverstone came under threat in 2009
Grand Prix Photo
Between 1994 and 1997, corners were reprofiled and run-off areas expanded for safety reasons. The Bridge section remained in use, the Abbey chicane was tweaked, and new facilities improved the spectator experience.
By the late 1990s, further modifications were made to restore speed and flow, especially at Copse, Priory, Brooklands, and Luffield.
However, a decade later, Silverstone’s ageing infrastructure became a sticking point and the race was under threat as F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone demanded higher race-hosting fees and a long-term commercial agreement to match those imposed on other venues.
The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), which owns Silverstone, was initially unwilling to meet Ecclestone’s financial demands or agree to the proposed contract length, and the British GP looked set to move to Donington Park from 2010.
Donington, however, failed to secure the necessary funding for required upgrades, and eventually the standoff came to an end, with Silverstone retaining the race but having to commit to a major redevelopment.
The Arena era
The result of Silverstone’s new agreement with F1 was the 2010 debut of the Arena layout — a new infield section extending from Abbey through Farm, Village, The Loop and Aintree, before rejoining at Brooklands.
The Wing was a major development for the circuit
Grand Prix Photo
This layout extended the circuit’s length once more, to 5.89km. It also improved overtaking opportunities, especially at Village and Brooklands.
Perhaps more importantly, it facilitated the construction of the Wing complex, the new pit and paddock facility on the International Straight (now Hamilton Straight).
Since 2011, the Arena layout has been the home of the British Grand Prix.
Some minimal tweaks have been made since then as the track remains one of the fastest and most revered in the world.
Technical details
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Circuit Length | 5.891 km (3.66 miles) |
| Number of Turns | 18 |
| Main Straight Length | 770 meters |
| Fastest Race Lap | 1:27.097 (Max Verstappen, 2020) |
