Brands back as top-class venue
Jonathan Palmer has brought top-class racing back to Brands.
Picture: MSV
Brands Hatch's Grand Prix course is set to host top-class motor racing for the first time in more than a decade, with news that it is to be upgraded to host the A1 GP series-opener.
Circuit boss Jonathan Palmer has announced that changes will be made to the circuit to accommodate the A1 GP cars, which require the track to hold an FIA Grade 2 licence. Currently only the Indy circuit has such a licence, hosting a round of the Champ Car World Series in 2002.
The improvements will take place in the next few months. These include minor works at Hawthorns bend and a realignment of Westfield in order to provide more run-off on the exit of the bend.
The famous Dingle Dell chicane was replaced by a new corner - named after motorcycle world champion Barry Sheene - last year for the circuit's World Superbike races.
Indy circuit upgrades
Meanwhile, safety improvements are also being made elsewhere on the track, with new run-off areas being built at two corners on the 1.2-mile Indy circuit.
The barriers at the exit of the Druids hairpin and the exit of Graham Hill Bend are being moved back from the asphalt to allow more space should cars or bikes go off the track at those points.
This should see a decrease in the number of vehicles being damaged by accidents as it will be less likely that they will hit the barriers. It should also minimise the likelihood of injury to the rider or driver.
"I am keen to invest in increasing safety for competitors not only to minimise the risk of injury but also to reduce competitors' costs by minimising the risk of expensive accident damage," said Palmer.
"We have looked at areas of the circuit where moving barriers back is both practical and will have a beneficial effect in reducing competitor vehicle damage and I am confident that we have achieved this and that there will be numerous competitors who will be extremely grateful for the increased run-off area that we are providing."
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