Snetterton reveals big plans

The Snetterton circuit in Norfolk, England, is set to receive a radical makeover - with the target of capturing top line international racing for the venue.

Circuit owners MotorSport Vision have unveiled plans to completely redevelop the track and make it a hub of the UK motor racing industry.

The £10 million proposals, which are now at the planning stages with the local councils around Snetterton, include significant changes to the layout of the circuit itself, as well as the building of a brand new, state-of-the-art commercial complex called the Snetterton Business Park.

The park, for which MSV chief executive Jonathan Palmer hopes to gain planning permission within a year, will include a race school, hotel with cafe, restaurant and conference facilities, shops and industrial units for race teams, car dealerships and engineering firms.

Architect's image of the redeveloped Snetterton

Snetterton will gain a hotel.

Pictures: MSV

Palmer said: "Snetterton has always been one of the tracks with a good, workmanlike reputation but it is not going to be top of many drivers' list of favourite tracks. We want to put it up there."

Also planned are some radical alterations to the layout of the Snetterton circuit itself, with Russell chicane being replaced by a double hairpin complex and Sear corner going out wider and featuring a sharper turn to bring it back in to rejoin the Revett

Straight.

Radical changes

A small section of infield track between Riches and Sear corner will not only provide a short test track which can be used independently of the main circuit but also the possibility of extending the main circuit for selected race events.

With plans to make Snetterton the first UK circuit to have its own train station and the introduction business park complex, Palmer is aiming to attract Snetterton's first truly international motor racing event in its 54-year history.

"Part of the development is to bring the track up to FIA Grade 2 specification and that would mean we could hold races for anything from the World Touring Car Championship, Champ Cars or the Le Mans Endurance Series sportscars - anything apart from Formula 1," he explained.

It is hoped that planning permission will be granted within a year, and that the whole project will be completed within five years.