Silverstone  Circuits  Limited,  and  its  owner  the  British  Racing  Drivers’  Club  (BRDC),    unveiled and launched the new Silverstone Grand Prix circuit yesterday.

His Royal Highness the Duke of York, KG, UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, formally cut the ribbon to open a major new section of track that represents the first stage of a multi-million pound investment in the Home of British Motor Racing. As part of the launch ceremony, His Royal Highness helped to inaugurate the new 3.66 mile circuit in the passenger seat of the Santander two-seat Grand Prix car driven by former World Champion, and President  of  the  BRDC,  Damon  Hill  OBE. 

On  track  at  the  same  time  were  F1  driver-turned- broadcaster  David  Coulthard,  driving  a  Red  Bull  Formula  One  car,  and  the  motorcycling  father-and- son combination of Ron and Leon Haslam, representing the worlds of MotoGP and World Superbikes. The  500  guests  at  Silverstone  to  witness  the  formalities  included  many  luminaries  of  British  motor racing, local dignitaries, motorsport governing bodies, BRDC members and media.

The guests were positioned  in  a  grandstand  overlooking  the  new  section  of  track  at  ‘Village  Corner’,  where  the ceremony  took  place.  After  the  formal  proceedings,  a  number  of  guests  had  the  opportunity  to  be driven around the circuit by the BRDC ‘Superstars’ up-and-coming drivers. Motorcycle media were due the  opportunity  to  take  to  the  track  on  two  wheels,  but  the  fine  morning  weather  that  had  greeted guests turned to afternoon rain and their session was cancelled. During the ceremony, His Royal Highness the Duke of York was invited by Damon Hill to become an honorary   member   of  the  BRDC  and  commented:  “I  am  very  pleased  to  accept  the  honorary membership from the BRDC, but perhaps not qualified to do so. I am here because high performance engineering  is  a  major  contributor  to  the  United  Kingdom  economy  and  that  engineering  prowess  is regularly on display in the highest level of motor sport that takes place at Silvertsone. I am delighted to be here. The future, I hope, continues to be rosy, not only for Silverstone and motor sport, but for the UK’s high performance engineering sector.”

“This  is  a  very  proud  day  for  Silverstone  Circuit  and  the BRDC,” commented Damon Hill. “The new section of track and improvements made elsewhere to the circuit are fantastic. These changes provide not only a stunning new driving challenge but will also lead to an enhanced spectator experience and provide great flexibility in terms of the different layouts that we can now use.

“Thanks   and   praise   for   the   impressively   quick   construction   work   must   go   to   the   Silverstone management, led by Neil England and Richard Phillips, and the whole team involved. I would also like to thank His Royal Highness the Duke of York for taking the time to visit us today in his role as UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. His presence underlines the scale of the UK motor racing industry and its importance to the economy. Silverstone is a cornerstone of the success of the industry and the BRDC will continue to develop the circuit to ensure that Britain has a world class home for motor sport and related technology.”

For Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, today’s launch represents an important  stepping  stone  in  the  redevelopment  of  Silverstone. “This new Grand Prix track combined with the redevelopment of Stowe Circuit and facilities, that was also completed this year, are a very exciting part of our overall redevelopment plan,” he said. “Work has already started on a new pit and paddock complex that will be completed in 2011 and we feel we are well on the way to being one of the best motor sport facilities in the world for competitors, organisers and spectators alike. At the same time  the  redevelopment  will  help  us  to  diversify  our  offering  in  the  areas  of  leisure,  education  and creating  a  technological  hub  for  motor  sport  that  will  ensure  that  Silverstone  remains  a  vibrant  and healthy business for many years to come. “2010 is an extremely important year for the circuit with Formula One being re-joined by MotoGP and World Superbikes on our calendar. It is going to be exciting to watch those races played out on this stunning new circuit.”