Silverstone to make improvements by 2010

UPDATE Aylesbury Vale District Council has granted Silverstone planning permission for its new pit and paddock complex. The substantial redevelopment program will see an all-new paddock constructed on the straight between Club and Abbey corners, both of which will be realigned. It will be the first time in Silverstone's history that the pit lane has been relocated from the straight between Woodcote and Copse.

"This is an exciting project that will help Silverstone retain the British Grand Prix and strengthen its international role as a world-class motorsport facility," the council's deputy leader Michael Edmonds said. "We are very proud to have Silverstone in our district and want to do all we can to promote both the circuit and the wider attractions of Aylesbury Vale as a great place to visit and do business in. Our aim is to help ensure Aylesbury Vale remains the home of Formula One in Great Britain."

The track's managing director Richard Phillips said the council's approval was a very significant moment for Silverstone, and that work would commence later in 2008.

"We are absolutely delighted that AVDC's planning committee have unanimously supported and voted in favor of this proposed milestone development," he said. "This is a turning point for Silverstone and a bold commitment towards the BRDC's support for motorsport in the UK and for retaining the British Grand Prix. The current program provides for work to start on site later this year."

04/24/08 Statement from the British Racing Drivers' Club:
The British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) today confirmed that the Club is on schedule to complete Silverstone's new Grand Prix Pits complex in time for the 2010 FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX.

Club President, Damon Hill OBE said: "I am delighted to report that we are close to finalising our plans to build new pits in time for the 2010 British Grand Prix, thus satisfying FOM's pre-requisites to granting us a new F1 GP contract. Silverstone's new state-of-the-art facilities are therefore moving from aspiration towards reality. The BRDC and Silverstone team has achieved an enormous amount over the last year. I am personally both impressed and proud of the commitment shown by the BRDC and by all our team members engaged in this project. In particular, the role played by the BRDC membership has been pivotal in this our 60th Year at Silverstone. Commitment by our members to retain the Grand Prix at Silverstone is as strong now as it has ever been. The BRDC share this desire and enthusiasm with thousands of British racing fans and we are doing everything within our power to keep the Grand Prix at the home of British Motor Sport. The negotiations with FOM are ongoing and reasonable terms on a new contract will help us to fulfill our ambitions." BRDC PR