£280m "Circuit of Wales" given go ahead.

-westy- · 11 Jul 2013 at 23:56

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23246491

An interesting proposition, funnily enough Jonathan Palmer speaking on behalf of ARMCO rather than the owner of Bedford Aerodrome.

Could be a good go-to venue for Motorsport, however I think they're perhaps a touch ambitious.

Thoughts?

Janesy B · 12 Jul 2013 at 00:32

Palmer is protecting his own interests and obviously wouldn't get behind the competition. The UK needs a proper purpose built track up to 21st century standards.

Dave M · 12 Jul 2013 at 01:06

Janesy B said:
Palmer is protecting his own interests and obviously wouldn't get behind the competition. The UK needs a proper purpose built track up to 21st century standards.

It says it won't be capable of hosting F1 - any ideas why?

I suppose they don't expect to get it, but what requirements does F1 have that other formulas don't?

MissChief · 12 Jul 2013 at 02:03

Circuits capable of F1 are classed as 'Grade 1' and they're not aiming for that on purpose. Stuff like tarmac run off then gravel, medical centre on site with Trauma capability, helicopter landing pads and plenty of other stuff that F1 'requires'. There's more info and a way better answer here including links to the relevant FIA documentation. I was going to copy and paste it but credit where it's due.

They're aiming for 'Grade 2' status which means they can hold F1 testing and MotoGP/WTCC/WSBK, National series like BSB, British GT, BTCC and Euro series like F3, DTM etc is what they're trying to lure. More money in those series believe it or not.

Skeeter · 12 Jul 2013 at 09:00

I thought you needed Grade 1T for F1 testing?

Either way, this track isn't aiming that high.

I'm just a bit shocked its made it this far.

MrKnifey · 12 Jul 2013 at 09:50

Hopefully it will make it all the way, we need something like this! Plus its local so good place to take the car

Skeeter · 12 Jul 2013 at 10:10

If this happens, it will be only the 3rd purpose built circuit to have been built in the UK.

I wonder how we compare to other countries?

Glaucus · 12 Jul 2013 at 11:17

Is it going to be the usual UK **** up, where they build something big and not think/massively underestimate the transport infrastructure needed.

kaiowas · 12 Jul 2013 at 12:02

I'm sure it'll be an impressive facility but commercially I can't see it succeeding.

The venue won't have the name or history to compete with the likes of Silverstone, Donington or Brands for the international series that only visit this country once a season so it'll be left with mostly national series only and there are very few of those that draw any kind of sizeable crowd (BTCC, BSB and British GT/F4 are the only 3 I can think of off hand)

The need to recoup the huge investment required to build it will lead to it having to charge similar usage fees to the three 'premium' UK circuits mentioned above so your typical low budget clubman series will be put off going there.

I can't see the location helping either, motorsport businesses would rather locate themselves in the tried and trusted motorsport region centered around Silverstone rather than risk isolating themselves.

Eventually all you'll end up with is a very nice trackday venue for those in Wales/The West to use. You only need to look at the car parks full of pallets of compost and the barely used grandstands of Rockingham to see that the demand isn't there to match the ambition of an enterprise like this.

As for their estimates on job creation, I can't imagine the number of full time jobs created supported by a race circuit is even into triple figures let alone the 4000-6000 they are quoting

JoeF1 · 12 Jul 2013 at 12:16

Glaucus said:
Is it going to be the usual UK **** up, where they build something big and not think/massively underestimate the transport infrastructure needed.

I sadly have to agree with this. :cool:

dave28 · 12 Jul 2013 at 12:23

pity it is not closer to the moterway but still only 2.5 hour drive from my house so it would still be nice.

EddScott · 12 Jul 2013 at 17:17

kaiowas said:
all you'll end up with is a very nice trackday venue for those in Wales/The West to use.

Oh no, what a blow...

However, I do think you're right. I think of Rockingham and it can't be used enough to recoup the cost of building it?

I mentioned it to one of the lads in work and got this tirade over how awful it was that its green belt land and they mustn't touch it. Should have known better he's a bit of tree hugger.

Skeeter · 12 Jul 2013 at 18:12

Do they use the oval at Rockingham at all any more?

Duke · 12 Jul 2013 at 19:03

dave28 said:
pity it is not closer to the moterway but still only 2.5 hour drive from my house so it would still be nice.

1.5 hrs here

/waits for someone who lives in Wales to post

MooMoo444 · 12 Jul 2013 at 19:05

Looks like a naff track design.

Housey · 12 Jul 2013 at 19:18

I see a news story in 12 months with some diggers in a field, some piles of sod and people moaning about how they haven't been paid.

MrKnifey · 12 Jul 2013 at 20:18

Duke said:
1.5 hrs here /waits for someone who lives in Wales to post

20 mins for me

Duke · 12 Jul 2013 at 21:34

And there we go

Abraxaz1 · 13 Jul 2013 at 12:51

track looks pants, lets build a track in a hilly area and have no gradient....
Also why build it in ebbw vale, the cars will have there tyres nicked as line up for the start.
Why didnt they invest in pembrey or llandow much better situated tracks, there is no decent methods of getting to the place that wont be blocked come race day

Indy500 · 13 Jul 2013 at 13:03

kaiowas said:
I'm sure it'll be an impressive facility but commercially I can't see it succeeding.

The venue won't have the name or history to compete with the likes of Silverstone, Donington or Brands for the international series that only visit this country once a season so it'll be left with mostly national series only and there are very few of those that draw any kind of sizeable crowd (BTCC, BSB and British GT/F4 are the only 3 I can think of off hand)

The need to recoup the huge investment required to build it will lead to it having to charge similar usage fees to the three 'premium' UK circuits mentioned above so your typical low budget clubman series will be put off going there.

I can't see the location helping either, motorsport businesses would rather locate themselves in the tried and trusted motorsport region centered around Silverstone rather than risk isolating themselves.

Eventually all you'll end up with is a very nice trackday venue for those in Wales/The West to use. You only need to look at the car parks full of pallets of compost and the barely used grandstands of Rockingham to see that the demand isn't there to match the ambition of an enterprise like this.

As for their estimates on job creation, I can't imagine the number of full time jobs created supported by a race circuit is even into triple figures let alone the 4000-6000 they are quoting

What he said. Why this is even getting any public funding is a mystery to me.